13 July 2001

The President was a Keynote Speaker at the luncheon of the World Association of Former United Nations Interns and Fellows (WAFUNIF). His speech focused on poverty eradication, which is one of the development targets of the Millennium declaration. In his address Mr. Holkeri noted that some progress has been made , but added that much remains to be done if the target of halving poverty by the year 2015 is to be reached. Mr. Holkeri emphasised the responsibility of National Governments in reaching these targets, but assured that the United Nations system will assist country-driven processes especially in developing countries. The full text of the address is available on the Statements and Messages page.

Mr. Holkeri presided over Plenary's ongoing General Debate on the Secretary-General's Report on Conflict Prevention.

The President today signed the Book of Condolences at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh.