STATEMENT BY H.E. DR. SAM NUJOMA,

     Esteemed Co-Chairperson,

     Excellencies Heads of State and Government,

     Excellency the Secretary-General,

     Distinguished Delegates,

     Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am mindful of what this particular sitting arrangement up here represents for you and in the eyes of the world out there. By a happy coincidence of circumstances, the two Heads of State of Finland and of Namibia are co-chairing this historic Millennium Summit. We will, naturally, rely on the wise counsel and assistance of our illustrious Secretary-General.

This arrangement was made because of the 54th Session of the General Assembly was under the Presidency of my compatriot, Honourable TheoBen Gurirab, Namibia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and the 55th Session of the General Assembly will be under the Presidency of Mr. Harri Holkeri, former Prime Minister of Finland, who started his work yesterday. I am grateful and thank my colleagues and delegations for this honour.

I am most delighted, indeed, to congratulate my dear Colleague and Co-Chairperson, Her Excellency Tarja Halonen, President of Finland, for her election. I renew, once again, my pledge and determination before you all, to do all I can to work hard and make a meaningful contribution toward the achievement of the best possible conclusion of the Summit for which all of us and the future generations will be proud.

Peoples of the world have high expectations for social change; determination to put thing right; to put men and women on the same footing before the law; to conquer fear, poverty and alienation in the society; and to use benefits of science and technology for peace, human security; empowerment of the poor, poverty eradication and for sustainable development.

 Excellencies,

 Mr. Secretary-General,

 Delegates,

 We have come to the United Nations Headquarters to exchange views and agree on all the necessary steps that we must take, individually and collectively, to strengthen and I quote "The Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century" unquote. We are here because we believe in the Unite United in its Charter and in the common objectives and principles for which our ispensable Organisation stand. We are here as world leaders. And now is the time and today is the day for a new beginning to give renewed impetus to peace, cooperation, development, security and stability in the world.

United Nations Peace Operations is another area of common concern. Armed conflicts, civil wars,, as well as the vicious and destructive acts of terrorist groups should be condemned, for, they prolong human suffering and severe hardship in the world. It is in this connection that the recent release of the Brahimi Report on UN Peace Operations is so important and timely. This much-awaited report has been placed before the Millennium Summit and we must consider it as our own plan of action.

As Heads of State and Government and eminent personalities, we must add our voices to the call for the observance of the Olympic Truce during the forthcoming Olympiad, which will be held at Sydney, Australia, from 15 September to Is' October 2000. Our message for global solidarity, goodwill and human brotherhood must be clear and solemn. We are doing this in the spirit of building a peaceful and better world through sport. May peace prevail on earth!

I thank you.