UN official calls for integrated approach towards sustainable development

In an interview with IRNA in Tehran on the sidelines of an international conference to combat sand and dust storm, Jong-Soo pointed to connectivity of issues such as deserfication, climate change, ecosystem, health, and food, noting that for tackling the problems, regional and international cooperation is a must.

“The US started creating three conventions on climate change, biological diversity and desertification in 1992, but after more than two decades, when we look back, these issues have not been paid enough attention,” the official noted.

Jong-Soo believes that all the 17 goals and 169 targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are closely interlinked.

He hailed Iran’s role in initiating four UN resolutions on combating sand and dust storms as well as holding the first international conference on combating the phenomenon in Tehran.

Jong-Soo stressed the importance of financing and transferring technology for combating sand and dust storms and said, 'I think that Tehran conference was a starting point for enhancing the international cooperation on fighting this phenomenon.'

Iran is the leading country in combating sand and dust storms, he added, noting that Iran should keep move forward in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Program.

Referring to the US President Donald Trump’s threat to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, Jong-Soo voiced hope that Washington give up its decision.

He added that the international community will move forward with the Paris agreement even if the US finishes the procedure for exiting the treaty.

Interview by Hamdollah Emadi Heydari

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