I am pleased to send greetings to the Global Donors Forum and the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists.

Your theme, “Resetting priorities-redefining roles”, is particularly relevant to today’s world.  We face many common challenges, including widening inequalities, accelerating climate change and increasing humanitarian crises.

In response, United Nations Member States have adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  This ambitious global framework, together with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development and the Paris Agreement on climate change, can put us on track towards a sustainable, more resilient and peaceful world.

The objective of the 2030 Agenda is to simultaneously advance inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability.  With its fundamental commitment to leave no one behind, the Agenda demands new forms of development cooperation within a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development.  Focus needs be directed towards the most vulnerable countries and groups in society.  Improving links between development cooperation and humanitarian aid and promoting systemic investment in building resilience will be essential.

The financial and non-financial resources required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals are unprecedented.  Success will depend on the contributions of all stakeholders, including private and philanthropic organizations partnering with the public sector. 

I welcome the rapid growth of philanthropic giving, with its flexibility and capacity for innovation.  But philanthropy is much more than financing.  It is a driver of transformation, bringing in new actors and approaches.  As the Addis Ababa Action Agenda recognizes, the resources, knowledge and ingenuity of philanthropic and volunteer organizations will be invaluable in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

I commend your commitment to advancing humanity and tackling the systemic challenges that obstruct development.  By working together, we can achieve our common goal.

I wish you a successful Forum.