MANILA ? President Benigno Aquino III Saturday called for a global version of the Philippines? ?People Power? to resolve inequality and spur equitable progress in the world. Speaking before the 65th United Nations General Assembly in New York Saturday (Friday in New York), Aquino said this can be achieved with dialogue, solidarity and communal responsibility. ?Many times in our history, my people have shown that, united, nothing is impossible. We called it People Power,? Aquino said in his speech. ?It is my earnest hope ? and in the greatest interest of humanity ? that we harness the energies of dialogue, solidarity, and communal responsibility, so that a global People Power toward equitable progress may be achieved.? Earlier in his speech, he pointed out the challenges each nation faces in a globalized world. ?In a world that has become increasingly globalized, the challenges that we face have become globalized as well,? he said. The challenges include climate change, pandemics, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, transnational organized crime in human trafficking and illicit drug trade, the continuing vulnerability of migrants, women, disabled and the poor, he said. The president urged world leaders to become responsive members of the global community. ?Clearly, we are already aware that the problem of one poses a problem for all. Any solution, then, depends on us recognizing that each of our nations does not exist in a vacuum, but rather, in an increasingly interdependent global milieu,? he said. ?The central revelation here is that for humanity to progress, all nations must progress as one,? Aquino said, adding that the wealth of nations must ?move the world along the path of compassion and communal responsibility.? ?The message is clear: there are those who need help, and acting with compassion toward those who need help is a response that is both humane and necessary,? he said. He zeroed in on the need to help vulnerable countries. ?The concept of vulnerability and inequality is all too clear in the global effort to address climate change. Those who stand to lose much, if not everything, from the effects of man-induced climatic conditions, are those who did little to cause it,? he said. Aquino called on the developed nations to help Third World countries not only in time of disaster or calamities. ?Many of you may say you have already given mightily of your resources. But surely we do not need flood and famine to remind ourselves that there is so much more that must be given, because there are so many more who deserve the hope of a better life,? he said. Aquino assured that the Philippines will not be a passive player in its quest for development as he reminded world leaders to continue being compassionate to those who have less. ? SG __
