Hon Chairperson, let me state from the outset that I love this continent and I am extremely proud to call myself an African. My love for this continent was reinforced when, in 1997, I undertook a year and a half-long expedition through Africa, where I was exposed to the wonderful diversity that exists throughout this continent.
During this expedition I was shown the resilience of the African people and how many of them are rising above intolerable situations by drawing on their own ingenuity. It is this ingenuity that must be harnessed if we are to overcome the myriad problems that still beset our continent. It is because of this experience, though, that I knew that a cover of The Economist in 2000, where they called Africa "the hopeless continent", was devoid of truth and that they would be forced one day to eat their words. And eat their words they have, as many countries on this continent have progressively embraced democracy and some have experienced spectacular economic growth over the past decade.
Steve Biko once said that the great gift still had to come from Africa: giving the world a more human face. In order for us to achieve this, though, we have to replace bullets with words, tyrants with democracy, and oppression with a resolute commitment to human rights.
If we remain steadfast to this ideal, I am convinced that this will truly be Africa's century, and its glorious diversity will be celebrated by all. I thank you. [Applause.]