It has played an important role in setting and sustaining global norms in the field of human rights, equality, environment, crime prevention and in many, many other important fields. During the past half-century we have witnessed unprecedented economic gains. The combination of extreme poverty and inequality between and within countries is a huge challenge to us. With a strong United Nations, we can meet these challenges. We should pay special attention to the burdened women of the poorest countries.
Women are the key to resolving today's problems.
The United Nations must act as a catalyst and stimulate action by others. Formal institutions must get the support of informal policy networks. Clearly, the problems facing us today cannot be tackled by Government alone. The non-governmental actors have an important role to play. This does not place them at par with Government, nor should Governments abdicate their Charter obligations.