We have
assembled once again to discuss the situation in the
world, outline the problems our countries face and
present our views on the world we live in. The
President of the General Assembly has offered a topic
for discussion, one which, I would say, perfectly
reflects current circumstances and the tasks arising
from them.
What kind of world are we discussing here? A
globalized world? By all means. An interconnected and
interdependent world? Without any doubt. A world of
great discrepancies and major threats? Certainly. In
brief, our world is such that there are practically no
longer regional problems and crises, since each and
every issue, no matter how much it may appear to be
regional, reveals itself as global in terms of its
consequences.
Our world is still dominated by developed and
most developed countries; while developing countries
are desperately lagging behind, struggling with hunger,
the inability to educate their citizens and the lack of
even the most basic health care. Can we be content
with such a world? Without any hesitation, I respond
that, no, we cannot.
In our world there are many States as well as
groups that are united in their inclination to use terror
as a means of action and to resort to force to achieve
their goals. Admittedly, confrontation between the
blocs no longer exists. A balance of fear between
super-Powers is non-existent, but our world has hardly
become more secure, while peace has hardly become
more stable. Can we be content with such a world?
Again, without any hesitation, I respond that, no, we
cannot.
Our world is ultimately still dominated by an
economic model that is self-evidently exhausted and
has now reached a stage where it is itself generating
crises and causing hardship to millions of people. If
one attempts to save that already obsolete model at any
cost, and if one stubbornly defends a system based on
greed and devoid of any social value worth
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mentioning, there can be only one result: social unrest
harbouring the potential to erupt into social insurgence
on a global scale.
Can we accept such prospects? I respond with the
utmost resolution that, no, we cannot, and must not. It
is up to us to embark now upon the enormous task of
creating a new world order — not returning to anything
that existed before, but creating something new: an
order that will in the end provide a life worthy of
humankind for each person and equal chances for all,
and not one that writes off those who are in dire need
through no fault of their own and those who at the end
of their lives are viewed as useless and therefore
unworthy of any support.
It is up to us to dispel prejudices more resolutely
than ever before, to stand up to discrimination on
whatever grounds, to say no to intolerance and to
promote not only the idea but also the practice of
multilateralism and dialogue among civilizations. That
is the only way towards building global peace, security
and development as vital preconditions for lasting and
stable peace.
Fortunately, the world has emerged from a
potentially very dangerous period of unipolarism and is
now on a path towards multipolarism. However, the
world is still in the process of learning that only
dialogue can help us to build mutual trust and
understanding. It is not yet ready to face the fact that it
is not a crime to be different and that our future can be
found only in unity through diversity — of course,
under the condition of full equality and strict
observance of human rights and in line with the United
Nations conventions.
With the simultaneous drift from unipolarism and
a shift towards multipolarism, we have to understand
and accept that though we have established a set of
universal values, we have not, will not and cannot
establish a single model of social and economic
relations applicable to all. The specific features of
individual nations and civilizations must be respected,
since there is no reason why anyone should renounce
something that is part of his cultural or traditional
heritage.
Finally, a world characterized by international
peace, security and development is not possible
without disarmament, in particular without renouncing
nuclear weapons. This was the topic of my address in
the Security Council this morning. I would like to
mention in addition the notorious fact that problems of
development would become minor if the huge funds
currently allocated for armament were channelled into
development.
I reiterate: the task before us is enormous. Let us
show courage and political will to grapple with it. The
Republic of Croatia, although a small country, is ready
to make its contribution. Although my ten-year term is
nearing its end and this is the last time I stand at this
rostrum, I will just say that I shall continue to place my
skills at the service of achieving this noble goal.