(News Focus) Lee seeks leadership on global issues with U.N. debut

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By Byun Duk-kun
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak clearly
demonstrated his intention to take leadership in tackling various challenges
facing the world as he made his debut at the United Nations Wednesday.

Lee's boldest statement came in a proposal to launch a new initiative to unify
all international efforts to address water shortages and other water-related
issues.
"Water is the most important resource for humanity. Unlike fossil energy, it is
irreplaceable," Lee said in his first speech at the U.N. General Assembly.
"I wish to urge the president of the general assembly, world leaders and the U.N.
secretary-general to have a special interest in water," he added.
The proposal underscores Seoul's wish to play a leading role in what Lee called
one of the most pressing issues facing the world -- climate change.
"Responding to climate change has become an indispensable and urgent agenda for
all of humanity," President Lee said.
The move, Lee said, is part of efforts by South Korea, the world's 15th-largest
economy, to find its rightful place in the world, to which the country owes its
freedom and prosperity of today.
"While this achievement is the fruit of the Korean people's toils and tears, it
goes without saying that the invaluable support of the U.N. has been a great
source of strength. Now, building on such achievements, Korea is embarking on a
path of actively contributing to the world and humanity," he said in his U.N.
speech.
South Korea has already undertaken some of its due responsibilities to the world,
pledging to triple its official development aid by 2015 and sending more troops
than ever on peacekeeping missions to 13 areas throughout the world.
Over 3,000 South Korean volunteers are also serving in some 40 countries across
the globe, Lee noted.
"Korea will rise to the expectations of the international community, and as a
responsible member, faithfully do its part in preventing conflicts, countering
terrorism, and responding to natural disasters," he said.
While such moves amount to Seoul's efforts to pay its debt to the world, the move
to take the initiative in addressing climate change highlights its leadership and
interest on the global issue.
"Today, close to half of the world's population suffers from water shortages, and
most climate change-related natural disasters, including inundation, drought, and
sea-level rises, are water-related disasters," the president said.
Lee's proposal for a unified water management cooperation initiative also
includes the establishment of a global governance system, or a U.N. organization,
to oversee all international efforts addressing the issue that is currently
implemented by some 20 U.N. agencies, according to South Korean officials
accompanying the president, who noted Seoul was also hoping to host the new U.N.
agency on water.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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