HAVANA, May 8 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for a new concept of development based on an "equitable globalization" that reduces economic and social differences in the world.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 37th session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Guterres said this new idea is necessary due to the challenges the world currently faces.
"Globalization has brought great benefits but many people have been left behind, such is the case of the inequality for women and the unemployment for young people," he said.
"In an increasingly multipolar world, we must remake the concept of development, especially in countries in transition and with low income. We need an equitable globalization," he added.
Guterres also stressed that the eradication of poverty is and remains the UN's top priority.
"The 2030 Agenda is our road map, and its objectives and goals are the instruments to achieve that end," he said.
According to Guterres, the international community should deepen its actions against climate change, because the objectives of the Paris Agreement are insufficient.
He highlighted ECLAC is essential to help the countries of the region implement this sustainable development plan and commended various countries for presenting reports on their progress in this matter.
"ECLAC played a pioneer role in economic, environmental and social integration policies for progress. It has consistently and courageously endorsed a vision of development that considers equality as the driving force of growth," he said.
The chief said the organization has always kept up with encouraging equal rights, based on solid research that links national and regional priorities.
"This forum has promoted an equitable globalization to achieve sustainable development," he said.
Guterres arrived in Havana on Monday to participate in the meeting and was officially received by Cuban President Diaz-Canel at the presidential palace. Earlier Tuesday the UN secretary general met with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and former president, Raul Castro.