From spurring momentum to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combating terrorism and drug trafficking, the United Nations is the crucial element for success, Tajikistan told the General Assembly today.

“The United Nations remains the key platform for achievement of consensus on the main issues of international security and development, as well as for coordination of joint actions of the international community in addressing challenges and threats of the day,” Foreign Minister Sirodjidin Aslov told the Assembly’s annual general debate.

“It is essential that we jointly search for ways of addressing the issues of poverty, the negative impact of globalization, preventing and resolving conflicts. There is also the need to strengthen intercultural and interfaith dialogue, mutual trust and tolerance,” she said.

Stressing that combatting international terrorism and extremism has become a top priority, he called for national, regional and international mechanisms to eliminate military infrastructures, channels of financial and logistics support, recruiting propaganda and the use of modern Information and communications technology (ICT) for the purpose of terror.

“Prevention of illicit drug trafficking that has turned into a breeding ground for terrorism and organized crime, requires joint and concerted actions of the entire international community,” he added.

Mr. Aslov also highlighted the importance of water conservation in achieving the SDGs, noting that climate change, urbanization and population growth will certainly exacerbate this challenge.