On June 7 at the European Development Days in Brussels, a number of the SDG Advocates participated in an emotive and thought-provoking panel on “What transformative changes are needed to fulfill the 2030 Agenda’s promise to leave no one behind?”
The participants gave inspiring presentations, prompted in particular by challenging and perceptive questions from three EDD Young Leaders, Farahnaz Ghodsinia, Esenam Amuzu, and Tasneem Ava. The Young Leaders were a poignant reminder that anyone, of any age, in any circumstance, can contribute in their own way to achieving the SDGs.
The Advocates’ interventions and answers to questions addressed issues such as economic and gender inequality, war and peace, climate change, and sustainable consumption and production.
SDG Advocates Leymah Gbowee, Muhammad Yunus, Alaa Murabit, Paul Polman and Jeffrey Sachs, together with European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans, reminded the audience that while it is important to find and discuss technical solutions to development issues, it is just as necessary to take a step back and remember the human costs of action and non-action. The panel was a stark reminder of why, in human terms, achieving the SDGs is so important. The panellists also agreed that through individual action it is possible to create enormous change, and that such individual action is needed to achieve the SDGs, and leave no one behind.
Assistant Secretary-General Thomas Gass moderated the discussion, and Ambassador Dho Young-shim was in the audience.
SDG Advocate Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians graciously opened the panel, saying that “leaving no one behind is a challenge for all countries, without exception.” She highlighted the importance of investing in people to create change, and in particular investing in quality education and health, including mental health, and stressed that extra effort must be made to include children, women and girls.
The panellists gave the clear message that individuals can help achieve the SDGs. The Advocates reminded people to follow the “golden rule,” to have empathy for others, and to mobilise themselves to become changemakers in their own situations. They suggested looking through the 169 targets, choosing one that is interesting, and then organizing and taking action to move the needle forward. The Advocates cautioned that achieving the Goals will not be easy, but stressed the need to aim high and think creatively, saying that when we do, we find that the solutions and resources we need, already exist.
More information, including photos and videos of the event, are available here.