Today's Date:

THE PRESIDENT: It's mankind's date with destiny, women and men of all nations and cultures who are meeting to take up together the challenges of our time and together build the universal civilization which globalization calls for.

Confronted with the dangers threatening the planet's ecology and the increasing inequalities between rich and poor, mankind needs to be spurred into action and have a collective determination to act. The global economy requires a globalization of solidarity.

Johannesburg is a place for hope. In a South Africa which has defeated and overcome apartheid, we shall answer the call. We shall join forces. This is how globalization will fulfil its abundant promises: those of increased freedom and of prosperity for everyone, respecting the rights of future generations./.