South-East Asian officials call for strong UN role on world stage

The role of the United Nations in dealing with a host of global issues from resolving conflicts and combating terrorism to boosting development and countering climate change was highlighted at the General Assembly’s annual general debate by South-East Asian officials today.

“We are of the view that the United Nations, as being the only universal organization, should further enhance its role in order to address the challenges in a more timely and just manner,” Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said, citing multiple challenges including regional conflicts, spreading social unrest coupled with financial and economic crisis and devastating natural disasters.

“Against this backdrop, these multiple challenges are not only obstructing developing countries, the least developed ones in particular, in pursuing their national development efforts and achieving the international development goals, but also further reverse development.”

He added that it is more critical than ever for all Member States to enhance cooperation in a sincere and trustworthy manner to reform UN bodies and improve their effectiveness.

“Security and political stability remains critical element in advancing socio-economic development of all regions,” he said.

“Therefore, the United Nations should play a more crucial role in maintaining international peace and security by effectively carrying out its duty to address regional conflicts especially over the situation in the Middle East.”

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong said his country fully supported UN efforts to forge a global coalition against terrorism and he called for finalizing a global UN treaty against the scourge.

“The adoption of this convention would reinforce and expand the legal framework to combat this crime against humanity,” he added.