United Nations: The United Nations and the World Bank on Thursday agreed that they will work more closely in addressing global challenges, including sustainable development, health and education.

In his meeting with Kim Jim Yong, the new President of the World Bank, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the two organisations were the “strongest partners” in addressing the peace and development agenda and were happy to work together very closely.

“We will work regularly to raise awareness, as well as to mobilise resources, and mobilise political will to help member states to achieve these goals (Millennium Development Goals),” said Ban.

He also discussed with Kim global health issues, saying: “Our target is to save 16 million women and children who would be dying needlessly from preventable diseases. I really count on Dr Kim’s leadership on that.”

This was the first time that Kim visited the UN headquarters since he assumed the post on 1 July.