Now we must do everything to make sure that next year's conference is a success. The outcome must be more than a finely tuned diplomatic instrument. It must be a conference for them. It is an area that has been neglected for too long. Specific education in disarmament at all levels could be an invaluable tool in correcting the misinformation, if not disinformation, that is currently circulating about disarmament norms whose general acceptance had been won by long and patient effort.
Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name.
It is the most effective form of defence spending there is. The Assembly has agreed to your recommendation to change the language of your mandate, in response to my proposals for reform and renewal of the United Nations. The new language puts into clear focus your role as a body of eminent persons from different parts of the world, representing a broad spectrum of opinions. It tells us that you are uniquely equipped to provide independent and substantive advice on how we can break the deadlock of the disarmament agenda. I am sure that in your work to make this world a safer place for succeeding generations, all of you will do your utmost to justify that trust.