I consider the decision of my colleagues and friends to be the best birthday present.
The developing countries must be able to take a more active part in trade negotiations, through technical assistance and support from the developed countries.
The United Nations remains our most important global actor. These days we are continuously reminded of the enormous responsibility of the Security Council to uphold international peace and stability.
Human rights are praised more than ever - and violated as much as ever.
Terrorism can never be accepted. We must fight it together, with methods that do not compromise our respect for the rule of law and human rights, or are used as an excuse for others to do so.
Regional exchange can be a source of growth and development, and of enhancing good governance.
Globalisation has made us more vulnerable. It creates a world without borders, and makes us painfully aware of the limitations of our present instruments, and of politics, to meet its challenges.
The elect, those who will; the non-elect, those who won't.
Engineers are behind the cars we drive, the pills we pop and the way we power our homes.
I'm getting old, don't wear underwear, and I don't go to church.
Modern houses are so small we've had to train our dog to wag its tail up and down and not sideways.