I am certain that with your experience and dedication to the goals of this organization, you will guide us wisely and effectively in our work this year. And important work it is, for as the century draws to a close, our security is more precarious than ever. The spectrum of threats is wide.
Traditional dangers persist, including the proliferation of weapons.
Economic and social insecurity for the majority of our population is on the rise. Increasingly, it is the well-being of individuals that is directly at stake. The need for responses is urgent. The way each of our lives is connected is unprecedented. We must work together to confront these challenges.