On 20 September, multiple SDG Advocates played a prominent role in marking the first anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals and the progress achieved since their adoption. Eleven Advocates were present for the ‘SDG Moment’, a special event before the start of the General Debate segment of the 71st UN General Assembly. The SDG Moment highlighted the actions that all stakeholders are taking to achieve the SDGs, and was designed to strengthen political resolve for implementation of the Goals. The event featured three short film clips by film-maker and SDG Advocate Richard Curtis, as well as narration by fellow SDG Advocates Forest Whitaker and Alaa Murabit. It also featured a performance by acclaimed tenor Andrea Bocelli and remarks by the President of the General Assembly Peter Thomson and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

“These Goals are humanity’s recipe for a sustainable world,” remarked Mr. Thomson at the event. “Let’s start by making them famous,”

Following the SDG Moment, the three Advocates took part in interactive dialogues in the SDG Media Zone to reiterate the importance of implementing the SDGs. The Advocates participated in dialogues with actress Meg Ryan and three of the Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals .

VIDEO: SDG Advocates Forest Whitaker and Alaa Murabit discuss the SDGs followed by Ahmad Alhendawi, the SG’s Youth Envoy in discussion with UN Young Leaders for the SDGs – SDG Media Zone