United Nations

 NEW YORK, 5 September (UN Headquarters) -- Following is a statement to the media on behalf of the Co-chairs of the United Nations Millennium Summit, President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Sam Nujoma of Namibia:

 The Co-chairs of the Millennium Summit met today to discuss preparations for the Millennium Summit, which begins tomorrow.

 They agreed that the Summit presents an opportunity of truly historic dimension to guide the agenda of the United Nations and to shape the actions of the international community for years to come.  In a changing world subject to an ever more rapid pace of globalization, they stressed it is essential that the United Nations lives up to its natural role as a universal and indispensable organization.

 The Co-chairs addressed the crucial responsibility of heads of State and government assembled here in adopting the Summit Declaration and in materializing its content in their subsequent actions.  In particular, they welcomed approval earlier today at the closing of the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly of the resolution containing the draft of the Millennium Declaration.

 At their meeting, President Halonen and President Nujoma commended United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan on presenting an expertly composed and challenging Millennium Report.  The Co-chairs looked forward to the unique opportunity that the Summit will provide for heads of State and government to freely exchange views in an interactive manner on issues vital to peace, human security, international cooperation, development and poverty eradication.  They also expressed satisfaction with the opportunity of working together closely for the successful completion of their historic and challenging joint responsibility.