“The happiness of people around the world, the health of our planet and the survival of future generations depend on our willingness to commit to collective problem solving and behavior together. move, UN Head António Guterres said. “We don’t have a moment to lose.”
He appealed to those attending the first of five symposiums at United Nations Headquarters, the first for Accelerate and scale Sustainable development goals (SDG), to “make qualitative progress and find consensus, as much as possible this year”.
WFP / Simon Pierre Diouf
Start ‘back to the track’
Only eight years left until 2030, and with COVID-19 The head of the United Nations says the report’s recommendations aim to put the world “on track” to achieve the sustainable development goals.
“Each proposal would advance progress in other goals, and indeed our broader pursuit of peace and human rights.”
It calls for a New global transaction to share power, wealth and opportunities more widely at the international level, and to enable developing countries to focus their resources on inclusive, sustainable development.
“The New Global Agreement will rebalance power and financial resources, allowing developing countries to invest in Agenda 2030 and the SDGs“, I said.
Achieve the goals
Noting that “there is no one-size-fits-all social contract”, Mr. Guterres reminded that Our Common Agenda propose an intergovernmental World Social Summit 2025 to “coordinate action and create momentum on a global scale” to achieve the goals, while making efforts to renew the social contract.
“Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere is not only the goal of SDG 1but the main goal of Agenda 2030 correct“, I said.
“Poverty is not just a lack of income,” he said, advocating for a global economy that works for everyone, including protecting public health, reforming the world financial system, and protecting environment.
Learning crisis
The head of the United Nations emphasized three issues “at the heart of our commitment” to leave no one behind, which requires urgent action.
The first day, he describes the current learning crisis as “a disaster first and foremost for the young people of the world…[with] very serious implications for the future of our society“.
Without a functioning education system, he argued, the world would not be able to meet the needs of the labor market, promote gender equality and human rights, or strengthen democratic institutions.
To solve this problem, a Education Transformation Summit will be held in September to re-establish a collective commitment to education and lifelong learning as a preeminent public good; mobilize action to restore lost progress; and fostering re-imagining of education and innovation.
The Deputy Secretary General will direct the preparations for the Summit and Mr. Guterres will be appointed as Special Counsel in the coming weeks.
Gender equality
Although women and girls are at the heart of every social contract, the UN chief points out that “their specific needs and aspirations are largely ignored and their work often overlooked.” underestimate”.
The pandemic has highlighted the unpaid care work – mainly done by women – that keeps much of society functioning, while fueling a pandemic of increased violence against women and children. My little sister.
Against this backdrop, he asked the Deputy Secretary-General to review the UN’s capacity for gender “to ensure gender equality is at the core of everything we do”.
“I encourage Member States to use these consultations to consider my proposals and how intergovernmental processes can better work for half the people in the world.” top UN official said.
Youth, ‘motivation’
Turning to young people, Mr. Guterres highlighted the power of youth participation and the importance of their voices across the UN system and beyond, reiterating the proposal to create an Office on Youth.
“The creation of a dedicated capacity focused on young people… will have implications far beyond its institutional importance.“By making the entire UN system ‘responsible for providing and supporting young people,'” he explained.
Not only does it signal a cultural shift, but it also sends a strong message that young people are the “driver” in the Organization.
UN must ‘step up’: Shahid
President Abdulla Shahid reminded the first consultation on the Common Agenda that his “Presidency of Hope” “focused on concrete solutions and actions to benefit people, planet and prosperity.”
He said his priorities include a sustainable recovery from the pandemic, “respecting the rights of all, protecting the planet and revitalizing the United Nations.”
“Our world is a world in need of hope. Hopefully that can only be inspired by unity, solidarity and collective action,” he said, adding that”this consultation process…is key to realizing each of those priorities“.
“The United Nations must step up; we must become more responsive and effective to those we serve,” he said.
Looking for ‘common insights’
Despite the differences, Mr. Shahid insisted that “we are one family”, encouraging everyone to “find the way forward” in the Agenda proposals.
“Our effort is to find the right mechanisms to ensure that we reach common understanding.”
Like the fisherman, “let’s fill our boat with fish,” instead of “cutting off the hook and returning empty-handed,” he said.
The President of the Council closed the door by urging Member States operates “in good faith, with mutual trust and respect, and with the common goal of advancing our work and making the world better around us.”. ”
