UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka reiterates its commitment to a rules-based global order and values the spirit of multilateralism and cooperation, head of Sri Lankan delegation told the General Debate of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly here on Monday.

"Even though humanity faces numerous challenges, I am confident that we are well within our capability to address these in a collective, constructive and cooperative manner for the betterment of all, and our future generations." said Ravinatha P. Aryasinha, secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Leader of the delegation of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka reiterates its strong commitment to climate-related global initiatives, he said, adding that "it is imperative to strengthen our collective political will and accelerate global action in stalling its emergence."

The multitude of challenges brought about the climate change - including direct implications on food security, has also led to forced and unplanned displacement, he said.

Inequality-driven factors, aggravated by climate change, have a definitive negative bearing on individuals and communities, forcing them to leave their usual habitats, resulting in mass scale migration of people, Aryasinha said.

Climate change has also exacerbated the global phenomena of poverty, undermining human dignity and remaining as one of the greatest threats to the achievement of the goals of the 2030 Development Agenda, he said.

Sri Lanka remains committed to the international efforts on poverty eradication, and welcomes the declaration of "The Third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty 2018-2027" through resolution 72/233, the Sri Lankan representative said.

Quality education remains the key to social progress and economic empowerment, he said, and as a means of eradicating poverty and achieving progress, Sri Lanka has a longstanding policy of providing universal and free education at primary and secondary levels since 1945, he said.