Human development:
“I believe that human-centred development is the key to ensuring that basic human needs are met, that there is full harnessing of the human potential and that all have the opportunity to participate in the development process.”

“Development policies must be guided by principles of good governance and a strong commitment to empowering people, economically, socially and politically. Their rights have to be protected and promoted. People must also be encouraged to be innovative and creative, such as through promotion of lifelong learning, if they are to be successful in value creation. But let me stress that there is no one size fits all approach. Human centered development and related supporting activities must be fine-tuned and tailor made for specific national circumstances.”

Asia development:
“If one is to ensure that Asia is to succeed in sustaining its growth and development in an inclusive and balanced manner, where all Asians are stakeholders and participants in this process, then enhanced cooperation within and gradual integration of Asia is an important development that needs to be encouraged and nurtured.”

“I believe that the long-term solution to Asia’s developmental challenges lies in bringing Asia closer together to take advantage of its assets and synergies while working closely with other regions and playing a full part in globalization.”

Partnership:
“I believe that through commitment to human-centred development, through close partnerships with the international community, through active engagement in globalization and through enhanced regional cooperation and eventual integration, Asia can successfully meet the challenges of development and continue on its peaceful rise without creating islands of poverty and pockets of marginalization. But this is a path where Asia and its non-Asian partners must travel together. This is a path of partnership.”

“I believe that an Asia that can meet its MDGs in 2015 will emerge as an even stronger engine of growth to the global economy and a partner of development for other regions. Such an Asia, at peace with itself and with the world, can only reinforce multilateralism and secure a prosperity that benefits the many and not just the few.”

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