UN chief calls for greater unity on common causes

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday called on the international community to reflect on a changing world of today and fortify the sense of unity in common causes including peace-building at the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the world body.

Ban made the remarks at an open debate of the Security Council entitled "Maintaining International Peace and Security: Reflect on History, Reaffirm the Strong Commitment to the Purposes and the Principles of the Charter of the United Nations," which was initiated by China, which serves in the position of the presidency of the UN Security Council in February.

"We should use this year's observance of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations to seriously reflect on our common enterprise -- on peace operations, peace-building, women's empowerment, disaster risk reduction and much else," he said.

On the theme of the debate, namely reaffirming the commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Ban stressed collective security is the core purpose of the UN and a commitment to the prevention of armed conflict lies at the heart of the Charter.

"The primary responsibility for preventing conflict lies with Member States," he said.

Pointing out the world is "starkly different" from what it was like in 1945, Ban said the Charter is a living document, and the aspirations enshrined in the Charter remain just as "valid, valuable and vital."

"It is our compass, enshrining principles that have stood the test of time," said Ban.

China proposed the open debate for providing an opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs, according to a concept paper of China explaining reasons for initiating the debate.

"Countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are all equal members of the international community, and they are all entitled to participate in international affairs on an equal footing," said the paper.

Echoed this point, Ban said UN's shared work is based on consent and respect for the sovereign equality of all UN members, and early action to prevent conflict and protect human rights helps to strengthen sovereignty.

"In all these efforts, we should bear in mind that the three opening words of the Charter make clear who is the driving force behind the United Nations: 'We the peoples,'" he said. "Let us reaffirm our commitment to each other in the great cause of living together with dignity and peace for all." Endite