UN General Assembly
2007

foundation and focal point of our shared ambitions and concerted efforts. And that is why we adopted effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order as the objective of the European security strategy. Let me make this clear: if the new century has taught us only one lesson, it is that global challenges require global responses. What is needed is effective multilateralism. That is what we are engaged in here at the United Nations, and that is what we are seeking to promote in the United Nations. The message that I wish to leave with members today, on behalf of the EU, is that they can rely on us to make effective multilateralism a reality, today. I propose to begin with what is undoubtedly one of the greatest objectives that we in the United Nations have so far set for ourselves, which is to meet the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Those goals are demanding, but they should not discourage us; on the contrary, they should inspire us to accelerate