There are few better ways to take the world's pulse than through the unique convening power of the United Nations. Over the past two weeks, during the whirlwind of meetings and speeches that characterizes the opening of the annual session of the UN General Assembly, I met with the leaders or foreign ministers of countries and groups representing 99 percent of the world's population.

What beats in the heart of the human family? First is the yearning to be free from conflict, prejudice, inequality, a warming climate and the hopelessness of joblessness. Second is the excitement of living in an era of tremendous opportunities and being the first generation that can end extreme poverty. Based on the diplomacy that just took place at the UN, and fully aware of the steep challenges ahead, I am encouraged about our prospects.

The week produced a breakthrough UN Security Council resolution on Syria - the first hopeful news on the crisis after years of deadlock and inertia. The UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will now undertake an urgent joint mission to safeguard and eliminate Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles and programs. This is both a gain for international peace and security and a boost to efforts to end the conflict.