The UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday its annual session with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon sounding an alarm that the insecurity, injustice and intolerance were the main threats to world peace, reported dpa.
"This year I want to sound the alarm about the direction we are taking as a human family," Ban said in opening the session attended by all 193 UN members and international organizations.
Ban said governments are increasing defence budgets while reducing financial resources for humanitarian services and helping create jobs.
"People want jobs ... but they are met with divisiveness and denial of their dreams," he said, calling on the international community respond to the aspirations of their people.
Government leaders will address the assembly over the next five days.