UN General Assembly
2007

seeking to satisfy our consciences we limit the aspirations for social change. I think it is fair to say that there are two thresholds by which we can characterize the lives of people. The first has to do with the indispensable abilities of human beings to survive within a society and without which life could not be called human. The second refers to the capacities that allow each individual to be fulfilled within that society. We are speaking not only about subsistence, but of the right to enjoy a life that is worthy of living. Ecuador believes that to have the goal of living on $1 plus 1 cent per day in order to supposedly overcome extreme poverty or to avoid dying prematurely, as one might deduce from the MDGs — does not lead to a dignified life. The development of public policies in a country that is attempting to bring about radical change - as is the case in Ecuador - cannot be satisfied with those minimum objectives. Obviously, avoiding the premature death of girls and