G20 should focus on green measures for growth: UN

UNITED NATIONS - Leaders of the group of 20 developing countries (G20) should focus on environment-friendly measures to promote global economic recovery, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.

“Based on our collective experience, the best way to enhance the framework for strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth is to put development front and centre, and to invest in a green economic recovery for all,” Ban said in an open letter to the G20 leaders.

The remarks comes five days before the G20 leaders are scheduled to meet in Toronto, Canada, June 26-27 to discuss ways to consolidate the recovery of the world economy and the reform of the international financial system in the aftermath of the global crisis.

Ban said that high unemployment, rising food and commodity prices, and persistent inequalities have contributed to a substantial rise in hunger, poverty and social tensions around the world.

“Now, more than ever, investments for the world’s poorest are necessary to recover lost ground in pursuit of development objectives, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” Xinhua quoted Ban as saying.

United Nations will hold a summit on the MDGs in September, where world leaders are expected to decide on a concrete actions to achieve the MDGs by 2015.

“I urge world leaders to take decisive action to put an end to the shameful reality of maternal and child deaths,” he said.

The UN chief also welcomed the G20’s intention to include development in its agenda during this week’s summit and at the Seoul Summit in November 2010.

“Such an approach can help address food security and climate change, while ensuring job creation,” Ban said.

“Going forward, I encourage support for initiatives that will sustain recovery efforts while enhancing global economic stability, environmental sustainability and achievement of the MDGs,” he said.