This time last year, I reported to the committee that the journey we undertook from
Manila to Nairobi was sometimes rough and at other times smooth, sometimes pleasant
and at other times frustrating, but that with the aid of clear and detailed maps (Secretariat
Plan of Work) and a good compass (Secretariat Mandate), we were able to successfully
chart a course that saw us reaching the first leg of a long journey in one piece and ready
to continue the adventure.
We started the second leg of the journey soon after and benefited from calm seas and
favourable winds and therefore were able to travel full steam, with all hands on deck
from Nairobi to Mexico City. We therefore made considerable progress and reached
important land marks. I would now like to share with you some of those important
landmarks that we reached during the year.