UN chief calls for action to tackle crises, spur sustainable development

UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon said on Tuesday that the Security Council must take action on crises around the world and the international community must invest in sustainable development.

Ban's statements came at a special informal session of the Security Council that engaged young people from all over the world.

"The message these young people send us today is very simple and direct," Ban said. "Act. Deliver. Match words with deeds."

Youth were invited to attend the meeting and ask questions as well as to submit videos or written statements regarding their concerns about global peace and security.

"Time is too short to answer all of their complex questions," Ban said. "But there is one common denominator, that is sustainable development."

He said that committing more funds to sustainable development could make a big difference for people all over the globe.

"Every year the world spends 1.4 trillion (U.S.) dollars on weapons," he explained. "With a fraction of that we could cut poverty, fund schools, provide healthcare, and protect the environment. One year of global military spending could pay the UN 's budget for 732 years."

The secretary-general concluded his statement with a call to action.

"We have no shortage of crises before us. The Security Council must deliver -- now," he said. "Not in some far-off future."

Source: Xinhua