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Closing Remarks by H.E. Mogens Lykketoft, President of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly at the Side Event Launching the Technology Facilitation Mechanism for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Saturday, 26 September 2015
Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been a stimulating session.
As we wrap up, let me thank you all for your active participation and engagement. Let me thank the organisers, the governments of Brazil and France, for their leading role in this area, as well as the government of Switzerland for its role with Brazil in the earlier Structured Dialogues.
Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday’s adoption of the 2030 Agenda ushers in a new era for global development. It is ambitious and potentially transformational.
But right now, it is no more than that.
Right now, what we need is action – action from all actors to secure early progress and build on the momentum created by the hugely inclusive preparatory process, and by this historic Summit.
The challenge now is to put in place what is needed to drive implementation – by way of effective policies, governance structures, human and institutional capabilities, financing, technologies and partnerships.
The opportunities are tremendous – but only if we work together to forge stronger bonds of international and regional cooperation in pursuit of our shared goals and in support of national commitments and efforts.
As history has shown, science, technology and innovation are key drivers of economic growth, poverty reduction and rising living standards. Now, we must ensure that they are among the central enablers for realising the SDGs. And that all countries particularly the poorest and those furthest behind, can tap into the benefits of modern science, technology and innovation.
In this regard, enhancing international technology cooperation will be key. And the TFM, with its constituent elements, can be one of the vehicles to help us to do just that.
Its success depends on member states working together with other key stakeholders, and based on this morning’s discussions, there is clearly a strong commitment to operationalise the overall TFM in this manner. The UN inter-agency task team is ready for action. A competent and representative 10-member multi-stakeholder group is now needed to work effectively with the task team. And the private sector as well as the scientific and technological community, have key roles to play as do other stakeholders with relevant expertise. Let us move forward therefore with openness and conviction to ensure that the TFM is a key enabler of progress where it matters most – at country level.
As President of the General Assembly, I will support the early and effective operationalization of the TFM. I will also hold three high level events throughout the year so as to keep the SDGs at the forefront of our minds. The first of these, on the 11th and 12th of April 2016, will focus on securing speedy implementation of commitments relating to the SDGs, climate change and related financing and on engaging all stakeholders
The task ahead of us will not be easy but with a new commitment to action from all, and in a spirit of solidarity, it is certainly possible.
I thank you.