We must modernise institutions to meet challenges - PM
26 May 2006
There is a "hopeless mismatch" between the global challenges we face and the global institutions available to confront them, Tony Blair told an audience in the US.
Mr Blair made "tentative suggestions" for change to the "institutional architecture" of the world - the UN, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and G8.
The present day offered, he said, a "moment for reconciliation" for the world around an unifying agenda of justice and opportunity for all.
Speaking at Georgetown University, USA, he said he came back from his visit to Baghdad earlier this week inspired by the determination to succeed of the people he met.
The new Iraqi government is a "child of democracy struggling to be born", he said, and "the international community are the midwives".
During the speech Mr Blair spoke at length about Iraq, but also dealt with wider concerns in the Middle East as well as climate change and world trade.
He said:
"In my nine years as Prime Minister I have not become more cynical about idealism. I have simply become more persuaded that the distinction between a foreign policy driven by values and one driven by interests, is obviously wrong."
His speech was the third in a related series.
The first, in London and the second, delivered in Australia, dealt with globalisation and the interdepedence of nations - and reflected on the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st century.
You can read the transcripts here
Or watch the speeches again here
The PM is at the end of a two-day trip to the USA. You find out more about the agenda for his visit by following the links below.
