“Health is the foundation for peace and prosperity. Investments in health are investments in society. They save lives and benefit economies through improved productivity. Prevention efforts can avoid huge future expense.” This was said by Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, opening the debate  at the 2009 substantive session in Geneva.

Video of speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeollAWhMW8

Text of speech: http://www.un.org/webcast/ecosoc/hls/2009/statements/ecosoc-sg-hls-090706.pdf