The dual challenges of insecurity and internally displaced persons (IDPs) were placed at the front burner in a special meeting on Monday between the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, and 12 heads of parliament, including Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The meeting was held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, as part of activities marking the 4th United Nations Conference for Parliamentary Heads. It had discussants from Italy, Switzerland, Vietnam and Nigeria – all agreeing that the issues require global solutions.

While briefing the press after the meeting, Senator Saraki said that Ban Ki-moon, who presided over the meeting, had told the parliamentary heads that the United Nations views with strong concern, issues of terrorism, rehabilitation of IDPs and general security challenges. Said Ban Ki Moon: “These shortcomings have worsened the cases of poverty, underdevelopment and disrespect for the dignity of human persons.”

Speaking, Saraki explained the importance of parliament in providing proper oversight, ensuring accountability and openness, while enacting laws that will benefit their constituents. He maintained that peace, democracy and the rule of law are central to ensuring sustainable development.

The Senate President reiterated his optimism that the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations would be more successful than the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) given the multi-stakeholder participatory approach that was adopted by the comity of nations, through the UN and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Saraki noted that he came out of the meeting with Ki-moon more energised to get the much-needed support for the IDPs and all those affected by terrorism in the North-eastern part of the country.

His words: “So, when I get home, the 8th Senate which I lead will continue to work to provide a legislative framework that will help rebuild, rehabilitate and reconstruct the violence-ravaged part of the country.”

The Senate President is scheduled to address the plenary session of the world conference today. Later, he will hold bilateral talks with heads of parliaments of Britain, Germany and France.

•Photo shows Ban Ki-moon shaking hands with Saraki, at the 4th United Nations Conference for Parliamentary Heads . . . yesterday in New York, USA.

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