Washington, September 26, SPA -- Strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations is crucial to the world’s common future because it is the sole forum where meaningful joint agreements can be struck to meet global challenges, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel told the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate tonight. "But time is running out for the Organization to demonstrate tangible results on its process of reform," Ms. Merkel said, warning that changes are needed for it to better deal with the many crises worldwide. “In my view, there is absolutely no doubt – the United Nations is the place where binding joint responses can be found to global challenges,” she said in a wide-ranging speech at UN Headquarters in New York. Calling for greater UN reform, the Chancellor said the most important case was the Security Council, which must have international legitimacy if it is to respond successfully to crises and conflicts. “However, the present composition of the Security Council no longer reflects the world today,” she said, reiterating Germany’s preparedness to become a permanent member of the Council. Ms. Merkel praised the results of some UN reforms, including the creation of the Peace building Commission to help countries emerging from conflict avoid slipping back into chaos or war and the report of the High-Level Panel on Development.--MORE www.spa.gov.sa/485949