Statement
                                                                                   by
                                                                      Mr. Goran Persson
                                                                  Prime Minister of Sweden

 
 
 Mister/Madame President,
 
We are living at a historic junction where global progress is a real possibility: A combined wealth never seen before; Scientific advances -in medicine and technology; Political freedom and democratic accountability becoming the norm; An end to the belief that states have inherent enemies; Access to many cultures and the inspiration of diversity; Social liberation for entire populations, and for women in particular.
 
There are good reasons for optimism - or even pride: But not for satisfaction. Human progress 'should be measured, not by the achievements of the most privileged, but by the life that the most disadvantaged among us can live and enjoy.
 
We are painfully aware that a great part of humankind is left behind progress, each and every day having to struggle for survival and justice. Poverty is the prime challenge of this Summit, and the backdrop of all international efforts.
 
`We, the peoples' have enough knowledge and resources to act as responsible citizens of the world. Our task as leaders is to provide the political, social and economic context.
 
 
Mister/Madame President,
 
Representing one of the richer countries in the world, known for its stable democratic tradition, I have to highlight a threat to our ability to take common responsibility. In many rich democracies, democracy itself is questioned. Too many don't care to vote and resent political participation. Social rifts and unemployment are sowing distrust. Dark forces of racism and anti-semitism are harvesting support. Some blame unfettered globalisation and come to hail insular nationalism.
 
This Summit can point in a more hopeful direction.  It can become a reference for all those willing to act together for a better future. The future is not decreed by fate. It is people in co-operation that shapes it.
 
The choice is ours. Some say that equality is a break on development. But take a look around: Nations that put the tools of development in the hands of all people, are making more lasting progress.
 
A well educated population, fair distribution of income, a social safety system encouraging enterprise and mobility
 - those are keys to success in the New Economy.
 
And now globalisation calls for a wider social contract, making market forces serve people better.

Madame/Mister President,
 
When home again, can we match words with deeds? Systematic efforts and consistent political will are essential. Our
Secretary-General is providing invaluable and persistent leadership. His Millennium Report serves as an excellent reference for checking whether our homework is properly done.
 
Have we come closer to halving extreme poverty by 2015 A goal for which debt relief is necessary.  What about providing clean drinking water and air? Or education for all children, investing as much in girls as in boys?
 
Are we respecting the free will of our people, enforcing universally applicable human rights?
 Do we seek to encourage participation in new and old democracies alike?
 
What about guarding conventions we have signed, disarming as we have declared, and preventing conflicts or resolving them with arguments rather than arms?
 
The United Nations need renewed strength of peoples' trust and mandate, a purposeful organisation and adequate resources. Are we paying our fees before profiting?
 
Are we honouring commitments to aid development, and to peace-keeping - a duty well spelled out in the Brahimi report?

Colleagues,
 
The answers should be a resounding - Yes! There is no room for hesitation.
Only resolute steps down these paths - already agreed upon - can restore confidence in the unity of nations in defending humanity, all of humanity.
 
Present and aspiring members of the reformed, enlarged Security Council that we need, must live up to the trust we place in them: A restricted veto; a farewell to nuclear arms; more sophisticated sanctions.
 
Madame/Mister President,
 
Equality and development go hand in hand. Development will be stronger when everyone is part of it. We will all be better off, if no one is left out. We have a future! We have it in common! This should be the powerful message of the Millennium Summit.
 
          Thank you!