In a bid to contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the UN announced on Monday its new agenda of common objectives, which is designed to strengthen and accelerate multilateral agreements – particularly the 2030 Agenda – and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
During a world summit to push more ambitious global action toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN chief called for urgent action in five areas, including recovery from the pandemic, climate action, and gender equality.
In his address at the SDG Moment event, the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres said: "Our world is challenged like never before. From climate change, to conflicts, to COVID-19, which is putting the Sustainable Development Goals further out of reach."
Guterres added that "It would be easy to lose hope. But we are not hopeless. Or helpless. We have a path to recovery. If we choose to take it."
On this basis, he indicated: "That’s what this SDG Moment is all about, coming together. Coming together to save our planet and each other. Coming together also with BTS today, which is a fantastic contribution."
"Two weeks ago, I launched Our Common Agenda – a plan to re-boot the multilateral system and gather the world around our common objectives," he said.
"Because only by recovering together can we get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track."
End Covid-19 pandemic
Guterres called on the world to mobilize behind a global vaccination plan that doubles vaccine production, to reach 70 percent of the world’s population by the middle of next year.
"Firstly, we need to end this pandemic. Our response has been too slow and too unequal."
End poverty by 2030
Moreover, he said: "We need to get down to the business of a sustainable and equitable recovery for all, so that we stay on track to end poverty by 2030. "
"UN is looking forward to making bold investments in systems that support human development – from education and universal social protection, to health care and jobs," the UN leader revealed.
In the same connection, Guterres affirmed that governments should put people above profits, including through progressive taxation, and ending tax evasion, money laundering, and illicit financial flows.
"Governments should contribute to reforming the global financial system, tackling debt distress and ensuring that developing countries benefit from the recent allocation of Special Drawing Rights," he pointed out.
Equal rights for women and girls
"We cannot achieve any of the SDGs without gender equality. We need bold investments to make sure every girl has a seat in the classroom – and the skills she needs to chart her own future," he emphasized.
"We also need to dismantle the power structures that allow discrimination, violence, and economic hardship to keep one-half of humanity down."
He affirmed the need to empower the women, improve their living conditions and eliminate discrimination, saying "Girls and women should have a seat at every table. From the halls of power to the boardrooms of business."
In conclusion, he urged world leaders to work with their governments to put people first in their budgets and recovery plans.
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