UN General Assembly
2004

On behalf of the Government and the people of Costa Rica, may I convey to you, Mr. President, our warmest congratulations and best wishes on your assumption of the important post of President. The nineteenth century was, for vast sectors of mankind, the century of freedom. However, in many regions of the world, there were and continue to be, unacceptable levels of repression. The twentieth century was, for a good number of nations, the century of economic development. Nonetheless, the end of the twentieth century witnessed a prevalence of poverty, oppressive hunger and injustice, that have conspired together against aspirations for peace, security and justice. The twenty-first century should be devoted to making freedom universal and consolidating economic development, but above all, to creating an opportunity for social justice, international cooperation, equitable relations among nations and the eradication of poverty. Since the beginning of my administration and in keeping with that idea, I have advocated a globalization that is tempered by justice and focused on fulfilling the basic needs of all human beings and their right to happiness.