Ban Ki-Moon thanks SOS Children for their dedication to children

Under a deep blue sky, and against the spectacular backdrop of the Austrian Alps, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, met with Mr. Richard Pichler, Secretary-General of SOS Children’s Villages International, in the small Tyrolean village of Alpbach (see photo).

Every year, the European Forum Alpbach brings together a great number of high-level representatives and experts from the fields of science, politics and economics. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon was this year’s special guest and also most eagerly awaited key note speaker.

Mr Ban first became aware of SOS Children’s Villages in his home country (South Korea) and later during his days as South Korea's ambassador to Austria, and therefore congratulated the organisation on its 60 years of successful work for the children. He was also delighted to hear about the organisation’s ambitious plans for the years to come which will be an important contribution towards making the rights of children a reality.

The UN Secretary-General also assured Mr. Pichler of his commitment to supporting the adoption of the “Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children” at the UN General Assembly in Autumn 2009. SOS Children’s Villages International was a leading organisation in the development of this important international framework which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of children.