I am pleased to convey my warmest regards to all those taking part in the third Astana Economic Forum –a major international forum for exchange on economic, financial and social concerns. I applaud the government of Kazakhstan for this initiative.

The Astana Forum brings together high-level policymakers and opinion leaders from around the world to discuss key economic policy issues and practical steps to deepen and widen international economic cooperation.

Like so much of the world, the Central Asia region continues to confront the fallout from the global financial crisis. While the wider Asian region is an important contributor to renewed global growth, economic recovery efforts remain uneven and precarious. Far too many are left out and left behind.

We need concrete actions and cooperation at every level. Thank you for coming together to share experiences and forge solutions to achieve sustained economic growth. This, in turn, will contribute to our broader effort to combat poverty, build peace and security, and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

The United Nations family –including the Economic Commission for Europe, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, UNDP and other United Nations agencies –stands with you in support of meeting our common economic and social challenges.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful Forum.