On Monday, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, presented a six-point agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, at the opening of the summit dedicated to these goals.
Guterres considered the end of hunger, the transition to renewable energies, bridging the digitalization gap, quality education, decent work and social protection, as well as attention to the planetary crisis, as indispensable steps on the global path.
“I am very encouraged by the detailed and comprehensive political declaration we are discussing, especially its commitment to improving developing countries’ access to the fuel needed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals: finance,” he said.
Countries are committed to accelerating progress towards #Global_Goals For a better and more sustainable future.
The agreement approved in #UNGAIt includes measures for developing countries’ access to finance.
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– United Nations (@ONU_es) September 18, 2023
The High Representative recognized the need to take measures to eradicate hunger, which he described as a terrible stain on humanity and an epic threat to human rights.
On the other hand, he warned that the transition to renewable energy is not happening fast enough.
He stressed, “We propose new energy agreements in which governments, companies, and global organizations come together to invest in removing carbon from energy systems and ensuring a fair life and a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.”
Third, Guterres cited the benefits and opportunities of digital transformation when announcing an initiative that seeks to drive transformation in 100 countries to support stronger technological capabilities and improve governance and financing.
At the same time, he called for building true “learning societies”, based on quality education, including lifelong education, as well as ensuring decent work and social protection.
Finally, the Secretary-General called for an end to the war against nature and to ensure full gender equality.
Women earn, on average, 20% less than men.
Women of color, immigrants, and those with children earn less.
In this #EqualPayDayjoins @UN Women And let’s demand equal pay for everyone. https://t.co/ii9sndmtaO pic.twitter.com/E4oSauGLUX
– United Nations (@ONU_es) September 18, 2023
“We must put an end to the triple global crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss,” he added.
He pointed out that the commitment of member states includes clear support for stimulating the sustainable development goals by at least $500 billion annually, as well as an effective debt relief mechanism that supports the suspension of payments, longer loan terms and lower interest rates.
In addition, he insists on calling for recapitalization and changing the business model of multilateral banking development, so that it can make widespread use of affordable private financing for the benefit of developing countries.
Guterres called for support for reforming the outdated, dysfunctional and unfair rules of the international financial architecture.
He stressed that “halfway towards the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, the world’s eyes are once again on you.”
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