Distinguished guests, heads of state, government, and UN officials, leaders of
global companies, representatives of the media, academia, NGOs, and young global
leaders: I am very honored and privileged to have
this opportunity to address the World Economic Forum in Davos.
I would especially like to extend my appreciation to Professor Klaus Schwab
and the organizers of this influential gathering of leaders who are committed to
improving the state of this planet.
Over the past few years, despite my isolation from much of the world, I have
been able to follow closely the global response to the economic downturn through
listening assiduously to radio broadcasts.
While the challenges were immense, the response was both swift and strong.
Of course, much still remains to be done.
Our global interdependence has compelled and resulted in increased cooperation.
In this context, however, I would like to speak on behalf of the 55 million people
of Burma who have, for the most part, been left behind.
We yearn to be a part of the global community, not only to be economically
and socially connected, but also to achieve the domestic political stability
and national reconciliation that would enable us to fully address the needs of our
people. Economic policies linked to human
development and capacity building are the best path to the achievement of stability
in a democratic transition.
We have already missed so many opportunities because of political
conflicts in our country over the last 50 years.
Despite an abundance of natural resources, Burma's development has lagged far behind
its neighbors.
Our government annually spend about 40 percent of our GDP on the military
and barely two percent on health and education combined.
The young people of Burma need the kind of education that has enabled Young Global
Leaders, some of whom are present at this gathering, to excel so early in their
careers.
We need investments in technology and infrastructure.
We need to counter and eventually eradicate widespread poverty by offering
opportunities that will allow the entrepreneurial spirit of our people to be
gainfully harnessed through micro lending programs.
The National League for Democracy has in fact embarked on an experimental micro
credit scheme on a very small scale.
We need to address the tragic consequences of preventable diseases,
particularly in conflict zones and rural areas.
At the same time, we also need to pay close attention to the costs
and collateral damage of our development, whether environmental or social.
These, however, can be contained if we plan ahead responsibly.
In addition to these enormous challenges,
we also need to reform our legal system that we might be able to attract foreign
direct investment and guarantee the rule of law.
I believe that as necessary steps towards integration within the global community,
Burma must achieve national reconciliation, political stability,
and economic growth grounded in human resources development.
Without the first two, which are essential for the basic requirements of
good governance, such as transparency, accountability, credibility,
and integrity, social and economic development will remain mere pipe dreams.
I would like to request those who have invested or are thinking of investing in
Burma to put a premium on respect for the law, on environmental and social factors,
on the rights of workers, on job creation, and on the promotion of technological skills.
Such an approach would not only be in line with a global sense of responsibility;
it would lead in the long run to greater benefits for all concerned.
I look forward to the day when there will be a political and social environment that
is favorable to a wide range of investments in Burma.
We are certainly in need of innovation and diversification if our country is to
fulfill the aspirations of its people and catch up with the rest of the world.
I would like to appeal to all those present at this gathering to use their
particular opportunities and skills as far as possible to promote national
reconciliation, genuine democratization, human development, and economic growth in
Burma, that our people may in turn be able make their own contribution towards
a safer happier world. Thank you.