United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on China, Japan and South Korea to help those left behind by global growth and development - the so-called "bottom billion".

The Secretary-General says these are three "critical countries" whose "futures are interlinked".

He describes as 'encouraging' "the growing sense of partnership among them, especially on issues central to the United Nations."

"The rise of Asia is changing our world. My message to them was to say that with new power and wealth come new responsibilities - not only in peacekeeping, in terms of logistical and engineering support, but also in peace-building and conflict prevention."

Secretary-General Ban says he called particular attention to their responsibility to help those less fortunate, so that the great global boom which has lifted their own people, can also lift others.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 51")