LUIS LACALLE POU, President of Uruguay, noting this would be his last address to the Hall as his country’s leader, reflected on his previous speeches, identifying a consistent theme of “responsible freedom”.  “It is impossible to understand humanity without understanding concessions individuals are making for the global good,” he said.  Globalization presents an opportunity for mutual understanding and collaboration, he said, provided there is “tolerance and respect for those who may think differently”.  He underlined the need for fair international law, which is applied “to all equally, regardless of a country’s size and regardless of the country’s economic power”.  “We must work together to build international law,” he urged.

No country is obliged to participate in international organizations, he said, however doing so would mean isolating yourself in this interconnected world.  While a large part of the freedom lies within our countries, he cautioned that a leader’s words can have both positive and negative repercussions, stressing that divisive politics only “reach and retain power” at the expense of unity.  He condemned the authoritarian regime in Venezuela, which has long “attacked freedom and the common good”.  Even though many Governments have turned a bind eye on the situation in Venezuela, he urged to “act for Venezuela and the Venezuelan people”.

Highlighting the link between environment and economy, he detailed his country’s efforts in pioneering financial instruments like green bonds.  He went on to emphasize the need for international treaties to be not only agreed upon but fully implemented, warning that failure to do so would “lead to a loss of stimulus in caring for the environment”.

On free trade, he reiterated his stance against protectionism, adding that “it is not possible to fully enjoy freedom in the absence of free trade.”  Calling for a more open world for goods and services, he stated that economic openness and domestic prosperity can coexist.  “We are all one,” he said, adding:  “We will progress more quickly if we are more united.”