New York, Nov 25 2011 3:10PM
Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today urged countries in the Arab region to steer their economies towards sustainable development that leads to the creation of more jobs for youth, while ensuring that the transition is anchored in good governance and respect of human rights.
"What the ongoing protests in a number of countries in the region tell us is that there is still a dire need of action-oriented strategies to alleviate poverty, create jobs, promote inclusive development and ensure democratic governance," said Ms. Migiro in an <"http://www.un.org/apps/dsg/dsgstats.asp?nid=316">address to the Regional Coordinating Mechanism (RCM) meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
"That means going beyond thinking in terms of economic performance. We must work for equity. Social, economic and environmental goals should be addressed in tandem," she said.
She praised the cooperation between ESCWA, the League of Arab States and the UN system, saying it has enabled the creation of a coherent Arab position ahead of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil next year.
She urged participants at the RCM to agree on policy approaches that the UN Development Group can use to support country-level development in the region.
"The eyes of the world have been on the ESCWA region. The immense changes have raised the hopes of people around the world.
"The challenges are enormous. But all of you who have been working so hard here for so many years also understand that the possibilities are even greater. When stability, good governance and equality take root here, we can be sure that the benefits will extend around the world," said Ms. Migiro.
Yesterday, Ms. Migiro attended an event to mark Lebanon's Independence Day in the city of Tyre, where she told the gathering that the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has been helping to create a window of opportunity for a permanent ceasefire and a lasting solution to conflict in the country.
"We are here for the people of Lebanon – just as we are deployed around the world for citizens in similar situations – and we will never leave them to the mercy of brutal forces seeking to undermine peace," she said.
She urged the people of Lebanon to enhance cooperation and partnership, regardless of their different convictions and beliefs, to achieve a better and safer future. "Religious leaders can use their extensive influence to promote tolerance and understanding. This is true in Lebanon, in the Middle East, and across the world," she added.
Ms. Migiro also visited the UNIFIL base in Naqoura, where she had a meeting with the Force Commander, Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas and other senior officials of the mission.
She was briefed on UNIFIL's operations, attended a town hall meeting with the civilian staff and was hosted by the Tanzanian contingent of peacekeepers.
She also inspected a 'Quick Impact Project' funded by UNIFIL to build three classrooms for Naqoura's only intermediate public school.
Nov 25 2011 3:10PM
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