UN General Assembly
2006

The sixty-first session of the General Assembly has begun its work in quite a disturbing context. We note the persistence of certain conflicts and the emergence of new hot spots of tension, which are serious threats to international peace and stability. World poverty and hunger have not decreased, despite the enormous efforts of our countries to improve the living conditions of our populations. In fact, we note a deterioration in the social and health conditions of millions of people as a result of endemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, particularly on the African continent. The political, economic, financial, social and environmental problems facing the world are assuming increasingly alarming proportions. That requires concerted efforts on the part of the entire international community. Therefore, we must work together to strengthen the existing multilateral system and the capacity of the United Nations to act in order to address those challenges more effectively. Our people expect concrete, swift and effective measures from the Organization, involving the establishment of modern and efficient operational structures. In short, reforms within the United Nations