... the long-lasting humanitarian impact of these inhuman weapons continues to deny communities the opportunity to rebuild long after the end of the conflicts.

It has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.

In fact UN is more of a galaxy of organisations and agencies than one machine.

When we talk about the UN, what are we really talking about? We are talking about my country, your country, other countries and their collective will to stand together and apply pressure or offer incentives to steer things in the right direction. When the nations of the world come together, with collective will, on an issue and they speak with a united voice, they have a much greater impact. When there is division, then the impact is much, much less.

Let us all reaffirm our commitment to improving the well- being of families throughout the world.

Human beings are not property. On the 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 so that the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 'no one shall be held in slavery or servitude' - ring true.

Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope... Especially for girls and women, it is an agent of family health and nutrition.