SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS BRAZIL'S PRESENCE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE ESSENTIAL
Press Release
SG/SM/5903
SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS BRAZIL'S PRESENCE ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE ESSENTIAL
19960301 Following is the text of a toast made by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on 29 February in Brasilia, at a dinner hosted by the President of Brazil, Fernando Henrique Cardoso:Thank you for your warm welcome to Brazil. My delegation and I have shared in the famous hospitality of your country. We are all extremely grateful.
Four year ago, in June 1992, I attended the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. I expressed the hope that what I called "the Spirit of Rio" would spread throughout the world. Today, four years after the Rio Conference, the "Spirit of Rio" has, indeed, spread across the world.
Development is no longer conceivable outside of the framework of sustainability, which was devised in this country. The spirit of Rio will be forever associated with the construction of a more sustainable, humane and prosperous society. The "Earth Summit" in Rio was a summit for the Earth. Four years later, on the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations, the General Assembly held a summit of the Earth. One hundred and twenty-eight heads of State and government, by their presence and by their statements, offered a bright vision of the future -- a future in which the role of the United Nations will be essential.
You, Mr. President, spoke with eloquence on that great occasion. You found in the present world situation "the conditions for a growing convergence of values, with democracy, economic freedom and social justice at centre stage". And you spoke of the United Nations as "a forum in which we should, within the context of globalization, work to overcome a persistent situation of social and economic inequalities giving rise to hopelessness and a feeling of exclusion".
Thus, the world heard the voice of Brazil in support of the new agenda of the United Nations: peace, development and democracy. Brazil's voice is a powerful voice. And Brazil's presence on the international stage is essential and important. Brazil is a country with extraordinary network of international contacts: throughout the Lusophone world; as a leader in Latin America, and in the Organization of American States; and as a vital player in the agricultural, industrial and communications sectors of the global economy.
- 2 - Press Release SG/SM/5903 1 March 1996
There are many Brasi's, yet, at the same time, only one Brazil. There lies great strength: unity in diversity. Brazil is active in the United Nations. Brazil is actively helping to build the United Nations of tomorrow.
Let us strengthen our determination to build a world community of nations and peoples dedicated to the goals of peace, justice, development and human rights. Let us build a United Nations able in every way to make that vision into a reality. Viva O Brasil! And long live the United Nations!
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