Anatoly Karpov, UNICEF Regional Ambassador for Central and Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independant States and the Baltics

U.N. Special Session on Children, May 8th, 2002.

"You do not have to be a World Chess Champion to know that it takes every bit of "brain power" to win. Sometimes a single IQ point can make the difference between winning and losing. This is not just the case with chess. In this increasingly competitive world, brain power is more important than brute strength...

The Network for the Sustained Elimination of Iodine Deficiency, launched here today represents the best that science, technology, academia, political, and grassroots dedication can offer. I will be glad to work closely with the Network to make sure my region meets these commitments.

Salt iodization must be a matter of national security in each and every country. We cannot take it for granted. The very social and economic fabric of our society is at stake. Together, government, salt producers, and civil society must protect all our children. They are our future."