Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
June 23, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you so much to the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs for organizing this tremendous event, and for all of the essential work you do. We value our close cooperation and collaboration, and look forward to our continued partnership. And a special hello, thank you, and congratulations to all of our Junior Ambassadors.
I’m Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and I serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. At the United Nations, we tackle so many important challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change to helping young people like yourselves stay safe and in school. But as our Junior Ambassadors, you already knew that. And I know you know that because this past year you’ve played a key role in our efforts.
My office has seen your hard work, pushing through a pandemic to learn about and support diplomacy. We’ve seen the brilliant video interviews, the beautiful art projects, the informative and inspirational posters. We’re proud of everything you’ve done this year. And we’re counting on you to keep it up. Because here’s the truth: we need you. Yes, you.
We need your ideas. Your advocacy. Your fresh perspectives. We’re relying on you to be even smarter than us. Even kinder than us. Even more thoughtful than us. Because one day – hopefully – many of you will go on from being junior ambassadors to ambassadors. And maybe one of you will take my job and become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. And I know all of you will put your great minds and your great hearts to work, all to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place.
So, congratulations, again, Junior Ambassadors! I hope you have a wonderful celebration, and I hope to see you back at the United Nations before long.
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