At the inaugural ceremony the speakers reaffirmed their commitment to the conference’s central theme of enhancing the coherence between the national and international spheres. Although globalization can be used as an instrument for development, it is not synonymous with development and requires adjustments to local needs through human management. Despite the increase in South-South trade, developing countries remain overwhelmingly dependent on developed-country markets.

Efforts must therefore be geared towards the provision of assistance in South-South trade cooperation and integration to ensure continued gains by the South from these arrangements.

Welcoming remarks by:
Mrs. Marta Suplicy, Mayor of São Paulo
Mr. Geraldo Alckmin, Governor of São Paulo State
Opening statements by:
H.E. Mr Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minster of Thailand	English
H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations	English	French
H.E. Mr. Julian Hunte, President of the UN General Assembly	English
H.E. Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil	Portuguese