Honorable Heads of State and Government,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a distinct pleasure for me to address you at the conclusion of this luncheon.
I will not attempt to summarize the impressive discussion; rather I will highlight some key takeaways.
You have reminded us that the financing needs of our agenda are vast – in the order of trillions of dollars. And that public resources represent the backbone of implementation. You also acknowledged that Member States need to adopt sound social, environmental and economic policies, as well as strong institutions, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Individual country efforts will succeed only if supported by an enabling international environment. The international financial, trading and tax systems and norms must be aligned with sustainable development.
The private sector needs to step up as well. The private sector acts as an engine of growth and job creation. In order to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this growth needs to be sustainable and jobs need to be decent and green.
The private sector is also a key investor. As a major capital owner, private business has a vital role in directing financing to sustainable development. Businesses across the globe are acknowledging the responsibility they have within society.
Yet, on the road to 2030, we will require a lot more than a few steps. We require tangible action by governments and the business sector to fast-track our progress to achieve the SDGs.
We need a change in mindsets, and in the way we do business. Next month, the Secretary-General will convene the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, which will advance solutions to achieve this shift.
In April 2020, we will also convene the Financing for Development Forum in New York, to take stock of our efforts and assess how we can overcome challenges. Moreover, the SDG Investment Fair, held concurrently with the Forum, will bring together investors and governments to accelerate investment to close the SDG financing gap.
I encourage all of you to continue to stay engaged. I strongly believe that together we can achieve our ambitious goals for the future.
I thank you.
It is a distinct pleasure for me to address you at the conclusion of this luncheon.
I will not attempt to summarize the impressive discussion; rather I will highlight some key takeaways.
You have reminded us that the financing needs of our agenda are vast – in the order of trillions of dollars. And that public resources represent the backbone of implementation. You also acknowledged that Member States need to adopt sound social, environmental and economic policies, as well as strong institutions, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Individual country efforts will succeed only if supported by an enabling international environment. The international financial, trading and tax systems and norms must be aligned with sustainable development.
The private sector needs to step up as well. The private sector acts as an engine of growth and job creation. In order to achieve the 2030 Agenda, this growth needs to be sustainable and jobs need to be decent and green.
The private sector is also a key investor. As a major capital owner, private business has a vital role in directing financing to sustainable development. Businesses across the globe are acknowledging the responsibility they have within society.
Yet, on the road to 2030, we will require a lot more than a few steps. We require tangible action by governments and the business sector to fast-track our progress to achieve the SDGs.
We need a change in mindsets, and in the way we do business. Next month, the Secretary-General will convene the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, which will advance solutions to achieve this shift.
In April 2020, we will also convene the Financing for Development Forum in New York, to take stock of our efforts and assess how we can overcome challenges. Moreover, the SDG Investment Fair, held concurrently with the Forum, will bring together investors and governments to accelerate investment to close the SDG financing gap.
I encourage all of you to continue to stay engaged. I strongly believe that together we can achieve our ambitious goals for the future.
I thank you.
File date:
Thursday, September 26, 2019