Page 482 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

At the Millennium Summit last year, all the world's leaders agreed that no
individual and no nation must be denied the opportunity to benefit from
globalization. Global issues must be managed in a way that ensures an even
distribution of costs. Those who benefit the least are entitled to assistance from
those who benefit the most. To build a democratic and equitable international
order the leaders of the world have committed themselves to freeing our fellow
men and women from the three major scourges:

1. Abject and dehumanizing poverty to which more than 1 billion
individuals are currently confined;

2. Violence of civil conflicts and fear of weapons of mass destruction;

3. Danger of living on a planet irredeemably spoilt by human activities.

This is the strategic triad for future action. As the saying goes: ‘knowing is
half battle’. Identifying the problems we face is halfway along the road to
resolving them. We must vow to seek ways of achieving these goals. Here the
United Nations provide a universal forum where problems can be identified
impartially and where common answers can be formulated thus strengthening
the legality of actions.

I am sure that you will take valuable skills and knowledge with you from
these two days of intense negotiations at the Palais des Nations. These will help
prepare you to address the challenges that the international community faces in
years to come. Crucially, I hope that you will carry with you the spirit of respect
and mutual understanding and let it guide all your future endeavours. The need
for uniting in constructive collaboration to overcome prejudice, intolerance
and violence has never been greater, and you all have a central part to play in
ensuring global peace and prosperity for you and for future generations.

Thank you.

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