UN General Assembly
1959

62. I am attempting, Mr. President, to explain the philosophy underlying our initiative. We are living in an era when, for the first time, as a result mainly of technological advances, human dignity is not merely something to be proclaimed by religious leaders and philosophers but must be the concern of politicians and business leaders. Today we feel that man, that every man, not only has a theoretical right to develop intellectually and materially, but can reasonably look forward to a decent standard of living and a better life. We are aware that a nation — every nation — if it makes an effort, can and must become the master of its own destiny. 63. In this connexion, I wish to welcome President de Gaulle’s statement (16 September 1959) on Algeria. It was conceived with vision and it offers that community self-determination and the opportunity to continue to benefit by the economic, financial, technical and scientific aid which France so generously extends to those associated with her.