"We must rouse all nations, and especially the nuclear-Power States, to do more towards the twin goals of disarmament and non-proliferation," Mr. Annan told a conference at the Centre on Violence and Human Survival at John Jay College in New York. Sponsored by the Nation Institute and the Office of Continuing Education of the City University of New York Graduate Centre, the event was held on Friday.

Despite serious problems confronting the world, including the fact that the nuclear powers reportedly have more than 30,000 nuclear weapons in their arsenals, Mr. Annan said "progress is possible, if we have the will to accomplish it."

The Secretary-General called for a new vision of human security. "An overwhelming emphasis on military security, at the expense of economic and social security, can be short-sighted and destabilizing," he observed. "Security is not simply a prerequisite for disarmament: disarmament itself can build confidence and enhance security by reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of serious conflicts."

"What will it take to rouse global public opinion? A crisis? An accident? Even an unintended conflict?" Mr. Annan asked. He noted that the UN's agenda was replete with issues that "suffer a strange sort of neglect," failing to draw notice despite the obvious advantage of early action.

The Secretary-General issued a call to help the next generation understand the broader requirements of human security. "Let us help them find new and more productive uses for our wondrous human ingenuity," he said.