This is an historic step forward in the world's efforts to combat a truly global threat.

We have to choose between a global market driven only by calculations of short-term profit, and one which has a human face.

It may seem sometimes as if a culture of peace does not stand a chance against the culture of war, the culture of violence and the cultures of impunity and intolerance. Peace may indeed be a complex challenge, dependent on action in many fields and even a bit of luck from time to time. It may be a painfully slow process, and fragile and imperfect when it is achieved. But peace is in our hands. We can do it.

Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.

If the United Nations is not as united as it should be, that is because it is a reflection of the world we live in.

Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.

The gap between the rich and the poor cannot keep growing without nothing being done about it.