UN chief urges stability in Great Lakes region to boost development

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to leaders in the Great Lakes Region to promote stability in order to achieve economic development and eradicate poverty.

Ban was speaking on Wednesday in Kinshasa during the opening of an international conference on private sector investment in the Great Lakes region.

"The region has abundant natural resources and we know that the local population is very hardworking. However, persistent conflicts and suffering have prevented them from achieving their potential," the UN chief said.

According to him, the development of the private sector in a stable environment will enable the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to use all of the country's natural wealth to escape from poverty.

He noted that achieving these objectives will first require addressing the deeper causes through good governance.

"It is not enough to just tackle security challenges. We must address the deeper causes. There should be good governance and rule of law," Ban said.

The secretary general equally pleaded for improvement of health and education services for all, as well as provision of decent jobs to all men and women.

The first international conference on private sector investments in the Great Lakes region was aimed at promoting regional integration, economic cooperation and contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Participants will showcase the best performing enterprises, inform investors on the business climate in the region, and discuss funding options for those who wish to invest in the Great Lakes region. Enditem