Format: Real

Duration: 2:32 mins.

Inter Press Service International Achievement Award
United Nations, New York, 11 December 2000

REMARKS BY HECTOR BOTERO
President, International Media Services
(Edited transcript)

I would like to say a couple of words about Ambassador Wensley´s keynote speech. We have all heard hundreds of keynote speeches, but this was truly very special and very moving. As I listened to the keynote presentation I was truly moved and truly happy that we are here today. It was absolutely outstanding and we thank you very much. It was very impressive.

International Media Services is a partner with IPS and we are proud to support IPS´s initiatives to recognize outstanding individuals and their achievements in making the lives of millions of people in the emerging markets, emerging regions and emerging countries better. We are proud to be a sponsor of the IPS International Achievement Award 2000 and we congratulate a very worthwhile honoree this year, Dr. Nafis Sadik.

This is an important day for International Media Services for yet one more reason. And that is that this forum presents an opportunity for us to thank and honour yet one more great person that is here with us today. We talked about IPS. I want to say two words about Dr. Roberto Savio who founded IPS some 35 years ago. He founded IPS with the idea to be the voice of the South, to be the voice of the emerging regions and the emerging developing countries of the world. Like many of you here today, he has dedicated his life to the noble causes of humanity: women´s rights, human rights, children, health, and the environment. Dr. Savio, what you and IPS have done has made a difference in the lives of millions of people throughout our world. And we thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the International Media Services, I hope you enjoy the evening.

Thank you very much.