UN General Assembly
2013

There are two years left until the deadline for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. It is therefore time to review what we have succeeded in achieving and set the guidelines for the work that remains. Development is a global challenge. Every contribution that is made, every experience that we share and every lesson that we have learned is very important for all of us. By sharing we set the stage for learning from each other — and not only from our own mistakes. In today’s world, every country has the right to choose a path that best suits its experience, culture and needs, as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others and guarantees human rights and freedoms. The international community has an obligation to offer support based on the principles of ownership and empowerment so that those choices may be realized. Development cannot be imposed; it must be promoted. But it is not only about development. It is about free choice, democracy and fundamental rights,