The Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, admitted this Monday the “risk” of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being “behind”, and called for a “global rescue plan”.
At the beginning of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, Guterres noted that only 15% of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030 and that there is even a regression in some of the Goals.
“Instead of leaving no one behind, we risk leaving the SDGs behind. Excellencies, the SDGs require a global rescue plan,” Guterres told world leaders in the room.
During this forum, the UN hopes to reach a new commitment from all global leaders, which will be consolidated in a declaration of intent that is under discussion and should be approved today.
With this political statement, the former Portuguese Prime Minister said he felt “deeply encouraged”, especially taking into account his commitment to improving developing countries’ access to the financing necessary to advance the SDGs.
“This includes support for an SDG stimulus of at least $500 billion (€468.8 billion) a year, as well as an effective debt relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer loan terms and rates. lower,” said the UN leader.
It also includes a call for recapitalization and a change in the business model of the Multilateral Development Banks, so that they can massively mobilize private financing at affordable rates for the benefit of developing countries.
The declaration also includes support for a reform of the current “obsolete, dysfunctional and unfair” international financial architecture, in a combination of commitments that the secretary general believes could be “a milestone” in accelerating progress towards the SDGs.
To leaders present at the forum, António Guterres also pointed out six specific areas where urgent transitions are needed, starting with action against hunger.
“In our world of plenty, hunger is a horrific stain on humanity and an epic violation of human rights. The fact that millions of people are hungry in our time is an indictment of each and every one of us,” he said. , addressing the leaders.
Secondly, the head of the United Nations indicated that the transition to renewable energy is not happening fast enough and, thirdly, that the benefits and opportunities of digitalization are not being publicized enough.
The high number of children and young people who are victims of poor quality education or without any access to education is the fourth area highlighted by Guterres, who placed access to decent work and social protection in fifth place.
Finally, the UN Secretary General urged an end to the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Guterres also highlighted that the SDGs “are not just a list of goals” but “carry the hopes, dreams, aspirations and expectations of people everywhere.”
In addition, they provide the safest path to fulfill the obligations established in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, he added.
“At the halfway point of the SDG deadline, the eyes of the world are once again on you. Over the weekend, young people and civil society groups showed up at the UN, or marched around the world, demanding urgent action. Now is the time.” To show that you’re listening. We can prevail, if we act now. If we act together. If we keep our promise to the billions of people whose hopes, dreams and futures you hold in our hands. Now is the time,” he stated. He concluded.
The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) began today in New York with dozens of heads of state and government from around the world.
According to official data, 99 heads of state, six vice presidents, 48 heads of government, four deputy prime ministers and 35 foreign ministers, in addition to other members of the executive, will be present at the UNGA.
The SDG Summit, which takes place between today and Tuesday and one of the most important events of the entire week, marks a halfway point in the SDGs towards 2030.
Source: TSF
