At UNESCO, we are fully aware of our role and of our limited financial abilities in comparison with our ambitious vision as the United Nation's driving force of intellect and knowledge to whom the dual task of protecting diversity while maintaining communication is assigned. As such, we endeavor through our vision to realize our role of positively changing a reality loaded with challenges into a reality that harmonizes opposites and seeks common grounds; a reality that can inspire the generations to come in their pursuit of a safe and secure life.

UNESCO is required today more than ever before to reinforce its presence and position within the UN framework, particularly under the new "All for One" trend within the UN.

Hence, our vision builds on everything that is positive and effective within UNESCO's operation and accumulation of diverse experiences. This is a vision to be implemented through well-studied and responsible steps towards realizing reform based on a revision of the programmes and activities that no longer address the challenges of the stage ahead and on refocusing programmes in accordance with available resources, the inclinations of members states, and the requirements of promoting the cooperation between north and south, between advanced and developed states, and even between south and south through bilateral and multilateral arrangements.

I realize that our aim implies cooperation and participation of member states, the General Conference, the Executive Board, and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that work within the areas of our mandate. We also need to call in experts, specialists, and scientists who are known to be knowledgeable and able to foresee the future and translate ideas and visions into activities and programmes that would revitalize the Organization. I have no doubt that without such cooperation; the Director-General cannot meet the international society's hopes in the Organization.