It is a pleasure to convey warm greetings to the faith leaders and others who have gathered at this milestone moment.  I thank the co-sponsors -- including the World Bank Group and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Engaging with Faith-Based Organizations for Sustainable Development -- for bringing people together in this way.

You meet as Muslims across the world commemorate the Eid al-Adha, Jews have just observed Yom Kippur, and people of all traditions eagerly await tomorrow’s appearance of His Holiness Pope Francis in the United Nations General Assembly.  I offer best wishes to all in this season of contemplation and celebration.

There are moments in history when our humanity fills us with hope and courage; when our common understanding of the challenges we face is matched by an even stronger determination to overcome; when we discover our common spirituality and values, and build a shared vision of where the future must lead.  Today we are at such a moment today -- and we must seize it.

Tomorrow marks the formal adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Building on the remarkable gains made over the past 15 years under the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, the new set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals will guide us in finishing the job while working more deeply and broadly towards a future of dignity for all.

The new agenda is comprehensive, reflecting the complexity of today’s world.  It is integrated, taking into account the links among the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.  It is rooted in human rights, and with its connections to justice, institutions, inclusiveness and resilience, the agenda can help to prevent conflict and instability.  

The 2030 Agenda is the culmination of the most open consultative and policy-making process in UN history.  I thank all of you for contributing your voices and views, including through your statement in April of this year, in which you stressed the need to turn “indifference into compassion”.

I urge you, as faith leaders, to use your enormous influence as bridge-builders, as proponents of the universal values that connect all faiths and traditions, and as role models who speak out against hatred.  At a time of rising extremism and discrimination against migrants and refugees, that role is more important than ever.
Without exception our faiths call on us to reduce inequality and reach out to those who are furthest behind. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pledges to do just that. Your engagement and support will be crucial.  I look forward to continuing our partnership as we strive to meet the crucial test of implementing this new agenda.  Working together, we must eradicate poverty and leave no one behind.