Interactive Dialogue on Elements of a Political Declaration

Ten weeks ago, the Heads of State of our countries came together in Monterrey, Mexico, at the International Conference on Financing for Development. Building on the progress achieved at the WTO fourth ministerial in Doha last November, they pledged our common commitment "to eradicate poverty, achieve sustained growth, and promote sustainable development as we advance to a fully inclusive and equitable global economic system."

Over the past two weeks here in Bali, we have addressed the challenge of giving meaning and full body to this vision. We have met against the backdrop of a decade of considerable progress since the 1992 Rio Conference on Environment and Development, but we are fully aware of the challenges ahead in reducing poverty, achieving good health, and protecting our environment. We must work together toward these goals.

As we look ahead to Johannesburg and beyond, and consider the political declaration we are about to draft, it is important that we deliver a clear, concise and focused message of hope and commitment. Several vital themes emerge.

First, achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including those in the Millennium Declaration, is a shared responsibility of developed and developing countries. Together, we must make progress on health, water, energy, forests, education, oceans, sustainable agriculture, rural development, and other vital areas.

Governments, civil society, and the private sector must work in partnership to mobilize development resources, especially trade and domestic and foreign investment. This is essential to unleash human productivity, reduce poverty, promote healthy environments, and foster sustainable growth and development.

Second, each country bears primary responsibility for achieving sustainable development through effective leadership, government accountability, and political and economic freedom.

Sustainable development begins at home. It is supported by sound and effective domestic policies that aim at improving the lives of our citizens and protecting our environment for future generations.

It is also dependent on the existence of a stable, peaceful, and secure state that respects human rights, combats corruption, supports rule of law, opens markets, and promotes private enterprise.

Third, we must redouble our efforts at coordination and cooperation among countries, civil society, international organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Countries and people in different regions have important lessons to learn from one another. We must promote the sharing of experiences within and among regions. Further, countries within the same region will reap economic benefits by reducing barriers to trade and investment that exist among them.

Fourth, we recognize that globalization is the reality of our world, and has a tremendous potential to improve the living standards for all. Our challenge is to ensure that all countries and all parts of society -- and especially the disadvantaged -- enjoy its benefits. In so doing, we must maintain the rich fabric of life around the world.

Finally, we must be driven by a vision:

• We envision a world where we act as trustees of this earth, its atmosphere, its oceans, its flora, and its fauna.

• We envision a world in which every household has access to energy and safe drinking water.

• We envision a world in which children can grow to adulthood free from disease, hunger, illiteracy, and the scourge of poverty.

• We envision a world in which all women and men can develop to their fullest potential without facing racial and gender discrimination.

In short, the political declaration we are about to draft must be a declaration of the world’s independence from poverty, hunger, illiteracy, disease, environmental degradation, and despair.

Working together, we must ensure a healthy and prosperous future for our planet, our people, and our children. Thank you.