21st century Quote by Ban Ki-moon
“Do not hide behind utopian logic which says that until we have the perfect security environment, nuclear disarmament cannot proceed. This is old-think. This is the mentality of the Cold War era. We must face the realities of the 21st century. The Conference on Disarmament can be a driving force for building a safer world and a better future.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: United Nations Disarmament Conference, 2015
Utopian demands for perfect security block nuclear disarmament; pragmatic, incremental steps are needed to advance peace in the modern era.
In simple terms: Don’t wait for perfection to start disarmament.
Key Takeaway
Act now with realistic goals.
Themes
peace
security
nuclear
Mood
inspirational
urgent
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- international negotiations
- policy drafting
- confidence‑building measures
Key Concepts
realpolitik
incremental progress
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical steps can advance disarmament today?
- How can the Cold War mindset be overcome?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic standards can stall urgent action.
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