British Prime Minister Tony Blair has appealed for lasting international commitments on climate change, trade and Africa - a legacy that would be felt long after he has left office.
In his last address to the World Economic Forum as British Prime Minister, he insisted the final months of his Downing Street tenure were ripe for agreeing long-term courses of action.
Having joked openly at points during the speech that his time was almost up, Mr Blair concluded with an impassioned call for action.
"Take these issues - Africa, climate change, world trade - and imagine over the coming months the world agrees and over the coming years, it acts," he said. "Think how attractive our story of the world's progress would be. Then think of failure and who will weep and who will rejoice. Think of all of this - then let us agree, and then let us act."
In a performance which earned a standing ovation from delegates, Mr Blair said there were "signs of hope" on the three central issues addressed by the conference in Davos, Switzerland.
The premier said he believed the world was "on the verge of a breakthrough" on climate change with a framework for post-2012 goals within reach.
Mr Blair also called on world leaders to live up to the promises they have made on Africa.
"We made commitments, not least on aid, at the Gleneagles G8 summit in July 2005 - we must honour them," he urged.
And he insisted it was "more likely than not" that world trade talks which have been stalled for months could result in a deal now negotiations are to re-start.
He said: "Countries are moving closer together, there is a reignition of political energy and drive, and an increased recognition of the dire consequences of failure."
PA