President Clinton and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon Announce Major New Effort To Advance Development In Haiti
NEW YORK – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met Monday (June 15) to discuss practical measures to assist Haiti on its journey to recovery.
Last March, President Clinton and the Secretary-General traveled to the island nation. Their visit highlighted the tremendous needs and opportunities in Haiti, and the importance of collaboration and alignment among the private sector, civil society, donors, the diaspora, and the government to advance development and prosperity.
Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alrich Nicolas joined President Clinton and the Secretary-General today and welcomed President Clinton’s appointment as UN Envoy on Haiti. Foreign Minister Nicolas underscored the Haitian Government’s commitment to creating good jobs, delivering services, and enhancing growth and environmental sustainability in Haiti, in close partnership with the United Nations.
“For three decades, the people and country of Haiti have been an intimate part of my life, and I believe today, more than before, the Haitian people have the opportunity to break the bonds of poverty and build their country back better than before last year’s natural disaster,” President Clinton said. “I am grateful to accept the appointment of U.N. Special Envoy for Haiti, and look forward to working with Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, President Préval, Prime Minister Pierre-Louis and UN peacekeepers on the ground to attract more investment, raise awareness, and ultimately, help make the entire region more prosperous and secure.”
The Secretary-General highlighted how 2008 was a difficult year for Haiti. “The country and its people were hit hard by soaring food and fuel prices and a devastating series of tropical storms and hurricanes,” he said. “Haiti is at a crossroads. There is a window of opportunity for economic development, for democracy and for lasting stability, but it is limited. We must act swiftly. This is why I have asked President Clinton to galvanize international support for the Government of Haiti’s recovery plan.”
