UN General Assembly
2008

Today, we face the reality of an international system that is becoming more complex by the day. Globalization has created new opportunities; it has also produced uncertainty and insecurity. Sudden crises affect the fundamental sources of our sustenance and progress: food, energy and financial resources. Terrorism and nuclear proliferation threaten our security. Climate change has an impact on the future of our planet. Growing instability characterizes the energy and financial markets, widening the gap between rich and poor. Those global challenges need a timely political response. A national response would be inadequate and illusory, for the right response can only be global and cooperative. A dramatic new vision of global governance for the twenty-first century requires rules that all nations can embrace — a new vision based on three principles: inclusiveness, effectiveness and shared responsibility. Effective global governance means a central role for the United Nations, starting with its most representative, democratic body, the General Assembly. Effective global governance means a strong connection between the United Nations and international organizations, either universal or regional, such as the