Ban says global problems interconnected, but good base laid for overcoming them

In his opening remarks at the 45-minute session, Ban said 2015 was "a pivotal year" not only for the SDG and Climate Change agreements, but also in marking the world organization's 70th anniversary, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted as a blueprint for financing for development, to "avert crises down the road," and "The Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction."

These plans and pacts have set the stage for a future that leaves no one behind, said the UN chief.

"This year we have seen epic flows of refugees and internally displaced people," he said, referring to the multitudes fleeing the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa.

Calling for "a new global compact on human mobility," the secretary-general said, "Demonizing and scapegoating these people based on their religion, ethnicity or country of origin has no place in the 21st century."

It was an unvarnished response to recent anti-refugee statements.

As for what he called the other "daunting situations" facing the world body, Ban said that for Libya "the parties are close to a desperately needed agreement that would help the country move beyond prolonged crisis."

In another positive move, he recalled talks on Yemen got underway Tuesday "towards a lasting cease-fire and a resumption of the political transition."

While saying he would present to the Member States of the United Nations a plan of action on preventing violent extremism next month, Ban insisted many of today's conflicts have "provided a breeding ground for the spread of terrorism and violent extremism."

"I am alarmed by the escalating violence in Burundi," the UN chief said. "What we have seen over the past few days is chilling. The country is on the brink of a civil war that risks engulfing the entire region."

"An inclusive political dialogue is needed urgently," he said. "We must do all we can to prevent mass violence and act decisively should it erupt."

Ban also endorsed recent moves to improve the method and transparency of selecting the next UN secretary-general.

He is about to enter his 10th and final year on the job and recently has had to dispel reports he might have his eyes on the presidency of the Republic of Korea, his homeland, and that he might leave his current job prematurely.

"I remain focused on, during coming one year, during my time, until the very last day of next year," the UN chief replied. "I will focus all my time and energy to do my job as the secretary-general. Thank you."

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