It is wonderful to be back. We meet at a critical moment. The spotlight is on Korea, and the first G20 Summit in an emerging market economy. I grew up in a Korea destroyed by war. Today it is one of the leading economies of the world. Korea is a bridge between the developed and developing world. This role has never been more necessary and important. So there is something very special about this G20 moment. I have just met President Lee Myung-bak. I commend his vision and leadership. This is as it should be βfor the UN and the G20 are complementary, and the work can be mutually reinforcing.
We can see this clearly when it comes to the global development agenda. It set out a common vision for overcoming poverty, and concrete steps to do so over the next five years.
Now here in Seoul, the G20, under the leadership of the Korean Presidency, is taking up development issues for the first time. This is a huge opportunity. For my part, I will do my best to ensure that the leaders of the world's biggest and strongest economies build solutions for the poorest and the most vulnerable people around the world into their plans.
The need is now. The global economic recovery remains fragile. Everywhere, there is economic insecurity and anxiety about jobs. We cannot afford to think narrowly about development and economic growth. The driving question must be: What does it mean for people?
That is what draws us to Seoul. I start with a very clear baseline: All countries and all peoples have a stake in the management of the global economy. The voices of the vulnerable must be heard. First, we must keep our promise on the Millennium Development Goals. They are a blueprint for decent jobs, education, health care, women's empowerment, clean water, and a clean environment. The MDGs are about building sustainability, building global growth, building a better world.
