UN Deputy Secretary-General calls on leaders to boost innovation amid global crisis
Deputy Secretary General, Amina MohammedA reminder that solutions are needed as leaders gather at a time of growing crises and rising debt burdens in the Global South.
You are called to provide solutions for those affected by climate chaos and the specter of conflict and insecurity. “That ranges from full-blown war in your community, to violent extremism, crime or violence against women,” Ms Mohammed said.
With a deadline to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) are approaching in 2023, Ms Mohammed warned that leaders are essential to getting progress “back on track”.
“We need your energy, innovation and ideas more than ever to make the sustainable development goals a reality in people’s lives,” said the deputy director.
Local leaders
She further stressed the need for leaders at the local level, including mayors, as it is expected that 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050.
Ms. Mohammed also noted that today, local leadership is helping drive transformational change by addressing the climate crisis, improving access to affordable energy, and fostering more equitable communities, among other ways.
“We are seeing the fruits of your determination in breakthroughs to challenges once considered intractable.“Mrs. Mohammed said.
However, “There is still much work to be done.”
A call for more
The UN Deputy Secretary-General called on urban leaders to continue the work that has contributed to global success, stressing the need for more equitable and accessible service systems and enhanced climate solutions for cities.
“We need empowered local democracy with peace at its core; and we need more resilient communities with early warning systems to prevent disasters,” she added.
Ms Mohammed also called on leaders to increase ambition in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to “deliver a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable world for everyone, everywhere”.
