Thoughts for the 2007 Global Agenda

On this first day of 2007, we present a handful of some of the most insightful quotes of 2006. From the economy to the environment — and from the role of women to war and peace — these thoughts will undoubtedly shape events in 2007 — and beyond. We at The Globalist offer our sincerest wishes for a creative and fruitful year.

On the economy …

“Being a tiger is not important. What is important is to have an economy that provides enough to eat and live.”
(Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej)

On the environment …

“In the debate over global warming, there is a big gap between public rhetoric, which verges on hysteria — and public behavior, which indicates indifference.”
(Robert J. Samuelson, Newsweek columnist)

“Right now, it seems that the glaciers in Greenland are moving faster than the negotiators.”
(John Coequyt, energy policy analyst for Greenpeace)

On global institutions …

“We are like a group of marathon runners that have run 25 miles and now must go the last mile. That last mile is often the toughest — but after you’ve run 25 miles, why abandon the race?”
(Pascal Lamy, WTO Director General, on the Doha round)

“The troubles at the IMF, World Bank and World Trade Organization are paradoxical. It’s not that the underlying forces of globalization have gone limp — it’s that nobody wants to invest political capital in global institutions.”
(Sebastian Mallaby, Washington Post columnist)

On war and peace …

“The only thing you prevent by war is peace.”
(Former U.S. President Harry Truman)

“In my country, we’re very arrogant, and I admit to it. You have to understand that Americans have for 200 years fought and died not just for our freedom, but for other people’s freedoms.”
(U.S. Senator Lindsey O. Graham)

On the role of women …

“With a few women in politics, women change. With many women in politics, politics change.”
(Chilean saying on the influence of women on politics)

“The women who are now leading nations are the most independent and accomplished group of female leaders ever collected — with the possible exception of when Elizabeth I dined alone.”
(Editorial in the International Herald Tribune)