Jan Eliasson (Sweeden) President of the General Assembly

Mr. Elliasson's comments this morning set the tone of these three days of meetings with his opening speech on the continuing value of multilateralism. At a time when the worlds hegemonic powers seem to be retreating from their treaty obliged duties to facilitate an air of cooperation and cohabitation on non-proliferation, environmental sustainability and poverty eradication they are retreating from their duties.

His great thoughts include "without passion nothing happens in life, without compassion nothing good happens in life." He calls on the NGO community to harness the passion that is intrinsic within its role in the United Nations and in national governments to make great inroads and establish partnerships with national delegations.

My personal experience with diplomats from LDCs is that the NGOs, especially ones from countries with means, should actively seek out LDC delegations and create relationships that will over time lead to trust and concrete collaboration. The diplomats from many LDCs lack the resources they need to participate, they lack information, they lack, in some ways, global perspective because they have not had the capacity to experience many of the alternatives that those who are more priviledged are able to leverage in the international decision-making stage.

Mr. Elliasson quoted his favorite author in saying that there were three passions that have ruled his life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and the unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.

Well done.