Secretary-General's remarks at Ibero-American Dinner [as prepared for delivery]

It is a pleasure to join you. As ever, I am grateful for the firm support that you extend, both individually and as an organization, to the United Nations and to me as Secretary-General.

The Ibero-American Conference is a key partner to the UN. I was delighted to be in Chile for the opening of your 2007 Summit during my first year as Secretary-General. I regret that other engagements will prevent me from attending your next summit in El Salvador.

It has also been highly rewarding to visit many of your countries. I came away with a real sense of how much your collective experience can teach the United Nations and other regions of the world.

How fitting that your next Summit will focus on youth and development. Your region has made impressive gains in school enrolment, especially in ensuring equal opportunities for girls. That is a real contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

I very much look forward to hearing from you at tomorrow's high-level event, at which we will re-commit to the Goals and, I hope, leaders will announce in specific terms what more they will be doing to support this global effort.

Excellencies,

Let me also express gratitude for your commitment to South-South Cooperation, and for your increasing participation in our peacekeeping operations. Your support for the UN mission in Haiti has been crucial, and I urge you to continue to help as Haiti seeks stability and progress.

Thank you all for your presence here this week. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Muchas gracias.