The King began his day in New York with a meeting with members of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The organization works to strengthen economic relations between the two countries and has become one of the most important transatlantic business organizations. Businesspeople from the financial, energy, fashion, infrastructure, and food sectors, among others, participated in the meeting.
His Majesty then went to the United Nations Headquarters to meet with Secretary General Antonio Guterres. This marked the King's fifth in-person meeting with Guterres as Secretary General.
King Felipe ended his day at the Foreign Policy Association's Annual Gala, where he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal. The Medal, the highest honored bestowed by the FPA, recognizes individuals who demonstrate responsible internationalism and work to expand public knowledge of international affairs. Past recipients include Michael Bloomberg, Mayor, New York City; Timothy Geithner, Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank; Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister, Australia; Sheila C. Bair, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, among others.
In His remarks, the Kind highlighted, "...upholding freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and dignity involves a relentless commitment. It seems like an everlasting job, regardless of the transformations the World endures. We cannot take them for granted. Unfortunately, many current events are a permanent reminder of that and, therefore, demand our utmost and generous effort..."
"...From this very place ─and time─ we must make an appeal to preserve them so that no man, no woman, no society, remains indifferent. It is our duty and our responsibility. For ourselves and for our children..."
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