Speaking in front of a large gathering of the world’s business and political leaders, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder stressed the importance of setting an agenda for global justice and security.

International cooperation, a dominant theme in this year’s forum, needs to focus on the general improvement of the world community, Schröder said. He appealed for an open exchange between nations, "without national egotism", and he cited the European Union and Germany’s reunification as positive examples of such an exchange.

The German leader spoke in favor of strengthening the roles of international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In a world of international interconnectedness, strong institutions are necessary for solving cross-border conflicts.

"In times of terrorism and global problems such as poverty and environmental protection, the world must work closer together," Schröder told his listeners. The international community must develop global efforts for social, economic and environmental progress, the chancellor said.

He called upon each nation to participate in an agenda for global justice and security. Only through this new form of cooperation and partnership can the world community ensure the well-being of tomorrow. Even trade and free markets must not be allowed to get out of control and jeopardize the goals of security and justice for all.

According to the chancellor, the traditional wars between nations are a thing of the past. The largest challenge ahead is the "privitization" of terrorism, violence on a non-state level in regions of the world, where globalization has not had an impact.

"The fight against terrorism will only be successful in the long term, if it is carried out under the mantle of global justice," he said. And without "an all-encompassing global security, we cannot begin to speak of justice... Security is the fundament for a just society." The two facets are inseparable, the chancellor said.

Self-Appraisal

The German leader used the high-profile speaking opportunity to put in a bit of self-praise for his last three years in office.

Germany is further along now, more modern and international than it was three years ago, the chancellor boasted. He pointed to the new citizenship law, the green card and the planned immigration regulation as well as his government’s ability to keep a cap on the country’s deficit.

Germany itself is an example of successful international integration, the chancellor said.

"It is the only nation in the world, that has integrated two independent states, and we are very proud of what we have achieved," Schröder stated. Less anyone in the audience be unaware of Germany's past, Schröder emphasized the "enormous challenges" Germany has faced and continues to face.

"Germany is a country that remains flexible and adaptable for integration in the future," Schröder said.

He also cited the European Union as another positive example of international cooperation and integration that benefits all nations involved.

Although the chancellor recognized, that the European perspective was not necessarily a model other nations could blindly adopt, he did see it as a concrete answer to the challenges of globalization, politically, economically and socially.

Chancellor Schröder concluded his 23-minute speech with hopes for a more positive year 2002, for increased international cooperation not only in trade but in terms of security and global justice.

"It is important," he said, "that out of the apocalyptic signal, with which the 21st century began, we draw the right conclusions for the coming years".