AP
Prime Minister Bruce Golding addresses the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has urged the United Nations (UN) to take the lead role in tackling the major problems facing countries at this time, with particular attention on less developed nations.

In his maiden address to the UN's General Assembly yesterday, Golding forcefully warned of the possible fallout if decisive action is not taken to deal with the major problems immediately.

"We have convened amidst worrying global developments. The hopes of the new millennium are in danger of fading as the ideals of international harmony and shared global prosperity remain illusive," Golding said.

With several world leaders in attendance, Golding argued that despite increasing production and expanding trade, globalisation has widened the gap between rich and poor within and among countries.

According to Golding, the global economy appears headed for a severe downturn.

While pointing to developments in the global financial system, the increase in oil and commodity prices, and the escalating food crisis, Golding argued that the UN was being called on to protect the most vulnerable.

"The situation requires a collaborative, coordinated, global response," Golding said.

Deep pockets of poverty

He urged the international community to devise strategic programmes to address the peculiar needs of middle-income countries with deep pockets of poverty such as Jamaica.

"Jamaica and its CARICOM partners are proposing the international recognition of CARICOM states as a special category of Small Vulnerable and Highly Indebted Middle-Income countries," Golding added.

In his wide ranging address, the prime minister also called for international aid for Haiti, immediate attention to the problem of climate change and the urgent reform of the international financial system.