Thank you, Michael Douglas – one of my favourite actors, who is also helping the world as one of my Messengers of Peace.

My friend Bill Luers,

Distinguished Honorees,

Friends in UNA-USA and of UNA-USA,

It is wonderful to be here with all of you. UNA-USA is one of the United Nations' best friends in the world.

For 50 years, you have built bridges from the UN to the U.S., and from the U.S. to the UN. You have supported, explained, and advocated. You have honoured not only the ideals of the United Nations, but also the historic commitment of the United States to advancing freedom around the world.

Today, I count Bill Luers not only as the UN's most steadfast supporter, but also as my mentor in US-UN relations. I owe Bill so much for the excellent relationship that exists today between the US and UN.

This evening, we honour some of the UN's partners in the work to reach the Millennium Development Goals -- our common vision for building a better world in the 21st century. Every one of these partners is a hero.

Let me say a special thank you to Ted Turner, who donated one billion dollars to the UN more than 10 years ago. He did so despite some public scepticism, and despite his own serious personal financial losses at the time.

Today, we face a global financial crisis. I am deeply concerned about how it will impact our efforts to reach the MDGs and to fight climate change. We need more leaders and visionaries like Ted Turner.

We need examples like all the indviduals we honour tonight, who are as courageous and creative as they are committed.

So I will try to be a bit courageous and creative myself. Since one of the honorees is my man Jay-Z, I think I'll try his language tonight. It is a foreign language to me, but one which I love, so please bear with me.

Global Classrooms are a cinch

With the help of Merrill Lynch

When you put the org in Google

Partnerships go truly gloooobal.

There is hope for Earth's salvation

With the Cisneros Foundation

With Jay-Z there's double strife

Life for children and water for life

Human health will get ahead

With the valiant work of (RED)

For the poor and doing good

Stays the job of Robin Hood

UN stays on the front burner

Thanks to our champ Ted Turner

And whole revolutions stem

From the work of UNIFEM.

But tonight my special shout-out

Goes to one I can't do without

We have travelled up and down

Frisco, Atlanta, Chicago town

Yes, the king of all the doers

Is my trusty friend Bill Luers

Bill, I cannot say goodbye

So take the floor and take a bow.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassador Bill Luers.