Susan Whelan, Canadian Minister for International Cooperation

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

"I am a great believer in the power of partnerships to achieve shared goals. Over the years, Canada has worked closely with Kiwanis International, UNICEF, the World Bank, the Micronutrient Initiative, and other partners to combat iodine deficiency.

The need for a coordinated, multi-sector approach was recognized early on. Governments, international organizations, concerned citizens and salt producers worked together to solve the problem. That's why the creation of the Network for Sustained Elimination of Iodine Deficiency is so important...

I want to thank all of you for protecting so many children from iodine deficiency and giving them the smart start in life that they deserve, and I want to volunteer to be an advocate on behalf of the Network to help meet these goals."