Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talked about America’s leadership in the world and the need for “smart power” diplomacy to address the changing world. She said the U.S. could not afford to ignore human rights issues and that the global economy and political environment would progress “if women and girls are treated as equals.” On the Middle East, Secretary Clinton said the region would thrive when entrepreneurship prevailed instead of extremism. Following her remarks, she took a few questions from the audience on immigration reform, budget concerns, and the future of the American political system. This was her final address as secretary of state before stepping down the next day.