UN General Assembly
2009

some quarters as an opportunity to question the market economy and, indeed, globalization. I do not dispute that reform is necessary. The failures and abuses have been too big to ignore. Nevertheless, we must remind ourselves that it is also thanks to a liberal economic order and open markets that much of the world’s population has been lifted out of poverty. Here, we share the concerns of those who believe that the current growing trend towards protectionism will lead us straight towards disaster. My country therefore welcomes the call made at the United Nations World Conference on the Financial and Economic Crisis for the swift conclusion of the Doha Round. People in the developing countries have been hit particularly hard by the financial and economic crisis. There is a significant risk that the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals will be delayed. As for 09-52320 24 Switzerland, we have pledged to maintain our level of development aid despite stringent budget constraints. Developing and developed countries are jointly responsible for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Next year, the United Nations conference