We are here because we share a fundamental belief: that poverty, illiteracy, disease and inequality do not belong in the twenty-first century. We share a common purpose: to eradicate these ills for the benefit of all. And we share a common tool to achieve this: the Millennium Development Goals.

Of course, I am the first democratically elected woman president in Africa, and that raises a lot of expectations. Because I represent the aspirations of women all over Africa, I must succeed for them. I must keep the door open for women's participation in politics at the highest level. That is both humbling and exciting.

One has to look at my life story to see what I've done. I've paid a heavy price that many people don't realize.

As more men become more educated and women get educated, the value system has to be more enhanced and the respect for human dignity and human life is made better.

There is no easy fix or youth unemployment. Partnership between the public and private sectors can make a big difference.

In Liberia, the big challenge that remains for us is job creation. We want young people to work or go to school. That is our main preoccupation right now.

The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.