UN General Assembly
1997

country’s mass destruction capabilities. After the cold war, the end of the arms race and of the confrontation of ideologies, the struggle — perhaps we should say “competition” — is shifting to other arenas, particularly the economic arena and ensuring people’s happiness. In the process, many countries which not long ago were considered small because of the size of their economies are outstripping nations which have seen their former glory fade. The formidable progress in communications has inexorably reduced distances and gulfs separating the levels of knowledge and development in the different parts of the world. Together, let us square up to these new realities, with justice and democracy as our point of reference but above all, with a clear view of humanity united on the basis of a fruitful and trusting partnership, ensuring progress and well- being for all. And let us courageously decide now on what is possible, even if it means postponing matters until the year 2000, when we can put the finishing touches to what we will not have done today.