Jan Eliasson， the Deputy Secretary-General， stressed the need of international community addressing chronic humanitarian needs and crises in Africa at UN Headquarters on the work of the African Regional Economic Communities.
　　“Africa is particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by climate change. Droughts， floods and unpredictable weather are displacing populations， devastating areas and generating competition for scarce resources that can even lead to conflict. These crises affect tens of millions of people every year. The poor and the most vulnerable， including women， children， and the elderly are hit hardest. Individuals are devastated and whole economies can lose hard-won progress，” Mr. Eliasson said
　　Mr. Eliasson underlined that to reach the MDGs by 2015， chronic crises need to be addressed. “Countries have primary responsibility to respond to humanitarian crises and disasters， but they need international solidarity. When we work together， we can help all States cope with the threat of disasters，” Mr. Eliasson suggested.
　　“I welcome the proposals made so far to build and reinforce regional capacities，” he added.