NEW YORK: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the world community to build food security as a cardinal measure for attaining the UN-set Millennium Development Goals (MGDs), as the spectre of hunger often haunts the poorer nations.

She also called upon the rich nations to stand beside the countries affected by a twin-hazard posed by global economic recession and climate change.

“Progress of the developing countries is under serious threat now due to the adverse impact of worldwide economic recession and climate change,” Hasina said while addressing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon (local time).  

Mentioning that the developed countries are responsible for both the detractors against progress, she said, “The developed countries would have to come forward with their generosity for establishing international climate change fund for the developing ones.”  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over two meetings on the sidelines of the UN general assembly of world leaders on Tuesday afternoon.

The first meeting was held on the tasks of least developed countries (LDCs) in attaining MDGs, set by the United Nations for an equitable uplift of the human race. Heads of state and government and ministers participated in the meeting.  

Heads of government and ministers of the SAARC member-countries held the second meeting where Sheikh Hasina called upon all concerned to come forward in raising the climate fund as calamities upset development efforts of the affected nations.

Besides, PM Hasina will exchange views with journalists and businessmen Thursday. She will also deliver speech in the 65th UN General Assembly on September 25 and attend a meeting of NY unit of the ruling Awami League the same day.

BDST: 1208 HRS, SEPT 22, 2010