The United Nations should pay more attention to the issue of development as well as world peace and security, said Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang in Shanghai Thursday at a press conference of the ongoing 60th session of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).  

The current reform on UN organizations becomes limelight of the world, and China is willing to join hands with the international society to enhance the UN role, he said, expressing hope that the United Nations will make more effort for the development issue since without development, peace would not exist.

As the world's most authoritative intergovernmental organization representing the most countries, regions and organizations, the United Nations plays an irreplaceable role in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, he said.

The enhancement of the UN role serves the common interest of the international society, but the trend of multipolarization and economic globalization brings new challenges to the United Nations, he said.

The United Nations itself must carry out reforms in various fields so as to strengthen capability in facing challenges, he said.

Under the proposal of UN Secretary-General Kofi Anna, the eminent persons panel on UN reform and the UN's role was established not long ago, he said, adding that the panel will brief the session relevant information on UN reform.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2004)