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Cancun, Mexico

24 August 2015

Secretary-General's video message to the First Conference of State Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

I am pleased to send greetings to the first Conference of Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty.

Adopted two years ago by the General Assembly, this historic global legal commitment imposes robust standards on the international arms trade.

The Arms Trade Treaty offers the promise of a more peaceful world.

I commend those States that are promoting responsible arms transfers.

And I salute civil society for pushing this process from the very beginning.

This Treaty shows how disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control can be advanced when governments and civil society work together through the United Nations.

The United Nations will fully support all efforts to realize the great promise of this landmark global instrument.

I wish you a successful Conference.

Thank you.