I am sure some of you have been there. At that panel two things came out very well. First, that we live in a world changed beyond imagination in the span of a few decades.
States are no longer the actors they used to be.
Their role primarily is as enabler and in promoting an inclusive approach to development and peace, in partnership with many actors - including international and regional organizations and NGOs. Second, in that partnership, the role of people's organizations has expanded as a result of spread of democratic norms, advances in technology and communication, and the interlinked processes of globalization. It was very obvious that on the one hand there are the international organizations that play a key role where global agenda, standards and values are determined. On the other, there are the people's organizations that very often take the lead to push the envelop in promoting all sorts of causes - a nuclear weapon free world, establishment of an International Criminal Court, debt cancellation, preservation of the environment, prohibition of the use of child soldiers, women's empowerment and gender equality. It is plain that unless we can include all actors in our efforts, we cannot be successful in ensuring better lives for all.