UN urges joint effort in Nepal's quake rescue operations

Also on Sunday, the president of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Martin Sajdik, said in a separate statement issued here that "I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and the destruction inflicted upon the people of Nepal by this massive earthquake."

"At this time of tragedy, our hearts and condolences go immediately to all who have lost family members and to those who were injured in this disaster," the president said.

The full scope of the disaster is not yet known but it is known that its cost goes well beyond the damage to property and has immense economic and social impact on Nepali society, he said, adding that as a "least developed country," Nepal can ill afford these setbacks on its path to sustainable development.

"As we prepare for the September Summit on the post-2015 development agenda, I call again on world leaders to take the necessary steps towards making disaster risk reduction a critical component of the post-2015 development agenda," he said. "We also need to ensure that our mitigation efforts are more effective and we minimize the impact of such disasters."

At this time, "our primary duties" are three fold: first, to assess the damage, second, to ensure that a global humanitarian assistance is delivered urgently to Nepal, and third, the development gains are not lost, he said.

"I call on Nepal's partners, United Nations humanitarian and development organizations, the international community as a whole, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector to quickly provide assistance to the country," he said. "And, also focus on its long-term recovery."

The Economic and Social Council reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Nepal and pays tribute to their immense resilience and courage,the president said. "Through coordination and cooperation, we can all mobilize our efforts to help Nepal in this time of great need and for its path to sustainable development."

On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday sent his deepest condolences to the government of Nepal and to everyone affected after the quake hit the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, according to Ban's statement.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and neighbouring countries today in the aftermath of the earthquake that has struck the Kathmandu Valley," Ban said.