बुधबार, कार्तिक २१, २०८१

Minister Rana underscores increasing challenges to global peace and prosperity

Kathmandu- Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has highlighted the growing challenges in Asian region and globally in achieving peace and prosperity.
Speaking at a dialogue on ‘Sports Diplomacy’ during the Third Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit in Doha, Qatar, the minister identified factors like the increasing conflicts and geo-political factors globally, which hinder the achievement of peace and prosperity.
“Factors such as long-standing conflicts, geo-political conditions, rivalry, terrorism, natural disasters and international organised crimes are becoming obstacles to global peace, security and prosperity,” she said, expressing concerns over the increasing polarisation and division, and the increasing number of wars and conflicts in the Asian region and globally.
Stressing that as a result, the region is still far from achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, she underscored cooperation and unity among Asian countries, stressing the need for taking immediate steps to tackle the growing impacts of climate change.
Dr Rana also called on developed countries to honour their commitments and take bold action to ensure that developing nations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), receive robust international support through predictable and fair climate financing.
Amidst these challenges, she suggested that Asian countries seize the opportunity to shape the “Asian Century” in line with ACD Vision 2030 of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Asia, calling for unity and cooperation across the region.
“Asia is rich in natural resources, a young and dynamic population, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and innovative technology and deserves a better dividend of global development and prosperity. I urge you all to unite our strengths, forge win-win partnerships, and promote mutual understanding for a better Asia and a better world,” she said.
Stating that Nepal strongly values multilateralism and regional cooperation as pillars of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity, she said, since joining ACD in 2016, it remains committed to advancing its objectives of building an interdependent, integrated, and innovative Asia, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with other ACD Member States in implementing ACD Vision 2030
Additionally, Minister Dr Rana highlighted sports as a key medium to maintain unity and harmony socially, nationally and internationally. “Sports, developed alongside human civilization, have played a central role in stopping conflicts, easing tensions, and fostering friendships among nations,” she noted.
Congratulating the leadership of ACD for identifying sports diplomacy as an important theme for the progress of the group, Dr Rana acknowledged its role in inspiring people to build an identity, social cohesion and unity.
“Considering the transformative power of sports, we must embrace sports diplomacy to realise our collective development goals, including ACD’s vision of a pan-Asian community.”
Dr Rana proposed hosting global and regional sports events to strengthen Asian unity and global fraternity while promoting meaningful participation of women and persons with disability in such events.
She also called for developing sports as a means of promoting cultural identity, developing the practice of appointing athletes as goodwill ambassadors and organising peaceful sports events in regions affected by conflict.
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Published on: October 03,2024

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