New York (VNA) – Partnership between the United Nations and regionalorganisations should be promoted in politics-security, economy, andculture-society for better coordination in dealing with emerging regional andglobal challenges, stated Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

The diplomat made the statement at a UN SecurityCouncil open discussion themed “Cooperation between theUnited Nations and Subregional Organisations: The Role of States, RegionalArrangements, and the United Nations in the Prevention of Conflict” on December6.

Highlighting the important role of the UN’s collaboration with regionalcountries and individual states in ensuring peace, stability, and developmentin the world, he held that it is necessary to underline the majorresponsibilities of relevant countries in preventing and settling disputes.

All countries should abide by international law, including the peacefulsettlement of disputes, he said, adding that the UN and regional organisationsshould play a key role in upholding and promoting common values, the norms ofconduct, and principles of international law for the maintenance of friendshipamong countries.

The UN should give more support to regional organisations withexperience in peace-building and -keeping, said Ambassador Quy, adding that suchorganisations, with their knowledge of social, ethnic, historical, andpolitical issues, will help enhance the efficiency of the UN.

The ambassador said that the affiliation between the ASEAN and UN issignificant to both and that Vietnam is delighted at the outcomes of theASEAN-UN plan of action for the 2016-2020 period.

As an ASEAN member, Vietnam hopes to share experience earned from ASEANactivities and ASEAN-UN cooperation, he stressed, pledging that Vietnam willwork closely with other countries for a common target of peace, security, anddevelopment in the world.

Addressing the discussion, UN Secretary GeneralAntonio Guterres said that the number of countries experiencing violentconflict is higher than it has been in 30 years, adding that low intensityconflicts have increased by 60 percent in the last 10 years.

“We have a responsibility to act – not in isolation,but collectively,” stated the UN leader.

Since he assumed office, he has prioritised theprevention of conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics, as well as theforeseeable dangers posed by new technology.

The endorsement of the Action for Peacekeepinginitiative by 151 member states is a strong sign of support for the centralrole of our peacekeepers in preventing the escalation of conflicts and inproactively supporting peace, he said.

The UN’s work to achieve the 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development, from human rights and humanitarian affairs to genderequality, environmental protection, and combating climate change, has played a significantrole in preventing conflict, said the UN leader.

Representatives of more than 60 countries andinternational organisations shared their viewpoints and experience in fosteringUN cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations, as well asnations. –VNA