The philosophy of the founders of the multilateral system was the building of a world order of peace, prosperity and freedom. We need to strengthen and renovate the foundations of the current international system, leaving intact the fundamental, universal purposes we have always sought to serve. In order to achieve this goal we must take in due consideration the exigencies of social solidarity. Italy, so close to many developing countries and countries in transition, is particularly aware of the human dimension of globalization. We must see how social, environmental and cultural concerns can be integrated into the multilateral system, enhancing the consistency of international cooperation and promoting the integration of the developing countries in the global economic system.
Satisfactory results require setting in motion mechanisms of endogenous, self-sustained growth.
For that matter, it is universally agreed that global problems demand global responses and global rules. As we advance further in the shaping of the multilateral rules that we need to govern globalization, we cannot fail to take this aspect into account and therefore to stimulate the participation of society and social institutions in the process. Turning to the new technologies, I note that the WTO is dealing just now with electronic trade. This is a perfect example of what needs to be done, in other fora and on other questions biotechnologies, for instance - to foster the development and spread of technology and prevent it from becoming an area of conflict rather than a new source of correct competition. This constructive approach is the only way to foster the spread of knowledge, so responding to the fears that are inevitably provoked by change.