Since problems spill across borders, security anywhere depends on sustainable development everywhere.

As many micro-credit schemes across the world can testify, investment in women is the best investment for the future.

A deal must include an equitable global governance structure. All countries must have a voice in how resources are deployed and managed.

On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery let us reaffirm the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us redouble our efforts to build societies in which slavery truly is a term for the history books.

I am not a national leader. If I am a national leader I can speak out all that I want.

Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world. It is a threat to all women, and an obstacle to all our efforts for development, peace, and gender equality in all societies. Violence against women is always a violation of human rights; it is always a crime; and it is always unacceptable. Let us take this issue with the deadly seriousness that it deserves.

I strongly reject threats by any member state to destroy another or outrageous attempts to deny historical facts such as the Holocaust.