1st LD: UN chief urges to address root causes of crisis in Central Asia

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday urged parties concerned to address the root causes of crisis in Central Asia and build peaceful societies resilient to terrorism and violent extremism.

Addressing the Security Council meeting of "Building regional partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a model to link security and development," the UN chief said that "only by addressing the root causes of crisis, including inequality, exclusion and discrimination, will we build peaceful societies resilient to terrorism and violent extremism. "

"Sustainable development is a fundamental end in itself, enabling people, communities and societies to flourish and fulfil their potential," he said, adding that "sustainable and inclusive development is also an important factor in preventing and ending conflict, and in sustaining peace."

The United Nations development system is engaged in supporting governments throughout the region to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to invest in sustainable economic growth, including greater opportunities for young people, women and girls, he said.

"Education, vocational training and jobs must be an absolute priority in national and regional development cooperation," he added.

The Secretary-General said that the entire international community "has a stake in peace, stability and development" in Afghanistan, and the countries of Central Asia "have a particularly important role to play."

However, he noted that "countries in this region can never achieve their full potential alone. All are landlocked, and many developed over decades as economically interdependent parts of a larger whole," adding that "growth, increased employment opportunities and prosperity depend on accelerated economic cooperation and integration."

The UN chief said that the common geography and history of Central Asian countries and Afghanistan, and their strong cultural ties, "create enormous potential for mutually beneficial joint projects, trade and exchange."

"Opportunities for intra-regional trade are significant, and even modest improvements can result in substantial gains for all the people of the region," the UN chief said, noting that he is "heartened over recent signs of change for the better." Enditem