UN General Assembly
2013

reflect the realities of today’s world. Nor does it reflect the reality of tomorrow. Germany, with its partners Japan, India and Brazil, is prepared to assume greater responsibility. In essence, it is a matter of strengthening the United Nations. The authority of the United Nations depends on its being representative. We are seeking reform of the United Nations so that its power to build consensus, establish global rules and act effectively in response to crises and conflicts can be demonstrably strengthened. This is a call not only to the United Nations itself, but also to each and every individual Member State. Only if we are prepared to compromise and are willing to act together will we be able to make the United Nations strong. Germany remains committed to the United Nations. A strong United Nations is in Germany’s interests. Our cultural differences and diverse traditions are not going to vanish in the age of globalization, but it is not only the world’s markets that are becoming ever more closely interconnected: people’s expectations, hopes and ideas are globalizing too. The developments