Madam President,
Mr. President,
It gives me great satisfaction
to bring to this historic summit the greetings of the President of Brazil, Fernando
Henrique Cardoso, and of the entire Brazilian Nation. I am confident that the President of
Finland, Tarja Halonen, and President Sam Nujoma, of Namibia, the co-presidents of the
Millennium Summit, will provide inspired and firm guidance in the conduct our
deliberations.
I
also salute Secretary General Kofi Annan, whose experience and breadth of vision of world
affairs have been crucial to the strengthening of the United Nations.
Presidents,
The Millennium Summit offers a
propitious opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to international peace and
security, the observance of human rights, the respect for international law, the
protection of the environment, the eradication of poverty and the well-being of all. These
are goals that can only be achieved in the wake of economic and social development.
The
United Nations has a key role to play in bringing about these objectives. There is no
alternative to the path laid out by the Organization if we are to foster the ideals of
liberty, equality, solidarity and tolerance between peoples. The United Nations has
increasingly become an indispensable tool in our collective endeavors to overcome the
challenges of the modern world.
Presidents,
The establishment of the United
Nations is one of the great legacies of the 20th century. The time has come to revitalize
it, to ensure that it mirrors the contemporary state of global affairs and the trend
towards greater democracy in international relations. We must reform the Security Council
to make it more representative, effective and legitimate. No longer can we tolerate
anachronistic decision-making structures that are not only selective but fail to reflect
the dynamics of worldwide transformations in the last few decades.
It is
imperative to prevent the creation of an environment conducive to unilateral actions
falling outside the framework of the United Nations Charter and International Law.
It is
also imperative to renew within the United Nations the debate on the crucial issue of
economic, social and cultural development.
Brazil
shares the view of Secretary General Kofi Annan that extreme poverty is an affront to
humanity. Poverty eradication, access to education, the supply of basic health services
and sustainable development require a concerted effort on the part of the entire
international community. Globalization should be a means for creating a world of greater
solidarity and, therefore, with less asymmetry. We appeal to the developed countries to move ahead with debt reduction
initiatives benefiting the poorest countries. Such a measure will undoubtedly help to
bring on stream educational programs geared to the requirements of the needy, in
particular by widening access of poor children to fundamental schooling.
By
the same token, the United Nations cannot remain aloof from questions pertaining to
technology and restrictions to a more active role of developing countries in the world
economy. Access to science and technology must become more democratic so as to enable all
the peoples of the world to share in the information age.
Presidents,
As we the leaders from all parts
of the world gather to reaffirm collective commitments, let us bear in mind the
significant efforts being made to enhance coordination at the regional level. In this
respect, allow me to refer to the holding, last week, for the first time in our history,
of a meeting gathering the Presidents of all countries in South America. The success of
this "Meeting of the Presidents of South America", in Brasilia, reinforces the
prospects for the consolidation of a regional zone of prosperity where our countries will
be able to address common challenges and opportunities. I am convinced that the outcome of
the gathering in Brasilia constitutes a meaningful contribution, from our perspective, to
the dynamics of regional integration, which is crucial in times of globalization.
The
Brasilia Meeting highlighted priorities of the region. Our commitment to democracy was
enhanced. Our conviction was underscored that improvement of infrastructure geared to
regional integration, the strengthening of our trade ties, closer technical and scientific
cooperation, and the fight against drug trafficking and related crimes are decisive
measures foster comprehensive regional development. Finally, as a reaffirmation of the
peaceful aspirations of the countries of the region, we agreed to establish a South
American Peace Zone.
Let us
make the Millennium Summit a watershed in our endeavors to build a better
world. If we are to achieve this goal as we enter the 21st century, it is essential that
we bring new vigor to the United Nations.
Thank
you.
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