BAN SAYS ENGAGEMENT OF NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT VITAL IN TACKLING TODAY'S CHALLENGES

Subject: BAN SAYS ENGAGEMENT OF NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT VITAL IN TACKLING
TODAY'S CHALLENGES

BAN SAYS ENGAGEMENT OF NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT VITAL IN TACKLING TODAY'S
CHALLENGES
New York, Jul 15 2009 11:10AM
The engagement of the international grouping of over 100 countries known as
the Non-Aligned Movement is vital to solving today's common problems, from
climate change and the economic crisis to ensuring a world free of nuclear
weapons, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

"It is abundantly clear that no country - regardless of size or resources -
can solve problems alone," Mr. Ban said in his address to the high-level
segment of the 15th NAM Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

"That raises the stakes and the space for the Non-Aligned Movement to shape
a better world," he added. "Now more than ever, your engagement is very
vital to achieving global solutions to our common problems."

The Secretary-General noted that the Movement's commitment to peace
naturally led it to place high value on a world free of weapons of mass
destruction. "All countries should recognize that disarmament contributes to
development - and that both are critical to peace," he said.

Among recent progress, he said that, with the support of many Non-Aligned
countries, the Conference on Disarmament broke its 12-year impasse and
preparations for the review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
are gaining momentum.

In addition, he welcomed the recently announced pledge by the leaders of the
United States and Russia to reducing their nuclear arsenals.

"But the challenges remain immense if we are ever to achieve a world without
nuclear weapons," Mr. Ban stated, adding that it is not only weapons of mass
destruction that demand a concerted international response. Conventional
arms continue to destabilize the world, and small arms and light weapons are
overwhelmingly the weapon of choice in violent conflicts, he noted.

The Secretary-General added that NAM's longstanding commitment to
development and social justice also resonates today as the world faces a
severe economic and financial crisis.

"All countries are feeling the effects, but some developing countries are
suffering most, including millions of people living in the NAM States,
particularly those emerging from conflict. The impact will likely be even
graver in the future," he said.

The UN chief also pointed out that efforts to move the global economy in a
greener, more sustainable direction and improve food security and energy
access for the poor can also contribute to creating the more equitable world
that NAM has always envisioned.

In addition, he highlighted the effort to "seal the deal" at Copenhagen
later this year on an ambitious new climate change pact aimed at curbing
greenhouse gas emissions.

"We need to mobilize the political momentum for an equitable and effective
deal," said Mr. Ban. "Your participation is vital - I count on you to
attend."
Jul 15 2009 11:10AM
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