– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

24 September 2019

Heads of State and Government,

Secretary-General,

President of the Economic and Social Council,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen,

I am honoured to welcome you all to this summit, the first since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. I thank my predecessor, Her Excellency, María Fernanda Espinosa for the preparation for the summit.

I am also grateful to the facilitators of the negotiations on the Political Declaration, Her Excellency Sheila Gweneth Carey, Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the United Nations and His Excellency Olof Skoog, the Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations for their able leadership throughout the process. I look forward to the adoption of the Political Declaration shortly, in which we all commit to “Gearing up for a Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development”.       

I am encouraged by the discussions that have happened regarding the SDGs within the last four years. Numerous SDGs-related fora have been organized, SDG advocacies have increased, and countries are increasingly integrating the agenda into their national development plans. That many countries have successfully presented their Voluntary National Review (VNRs) is particularly encouraging. We have seen more countries stepping up to take stock of implementation. This is indeed remarkable, and we can justifiably take pride in what we have achieved. We are also reminded of the necessity to work harder on delivering on the SDGs.

While I commend countries that are making tremendous efforts to achieve the SDGs, sometimes under difficult circumstances, it is necessary to think of new ways of accelerating SDGs action for those that are still behind in meeting the goals. Although progress has been reported in certain areas, the 2019 special edition of the SDG Progress Report indicated clearly that this progress is largely uneven within and across countries and regions. We, therefore, must deepen partnerships to unlock the trillions of dollars needed to finance the SDGs.

Within the last four years, we have seen many people around the world lifted from poverty. Regrettably, we have also seen far a greater number of people; particularly, in many Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), countries in conflict and post conflict situations, as well as in some Middle-Income Countries (MICs), living way below the poverty line.

We have seen, as the devastating impact of climate change ravages communities, how children of school age drop out of school, how endemic hunger as not abated, and how women continue to die during child birth. We must, therefore, focus on poverty eradication, education, and so on, as they are fundamental to achieving the goals and targets set out in the 2030 Agenda.

It is in this regard that I encourage us as leaders to resolve to make the next 10 years a period of accelerated action; mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda into our budgetary and national development plans.

In our deliberations today, I encourage us to share our vision on how to enhance national implementation efforts, build resilience to disasters and economic shocks, harness the potential of technology and scientific innovation, strengthen national statistical capacities, as well as share experiences and learn through the VNRs.

While I commend countries that are making tremendous efforts to achieve the SDGs, sometimes under difficult circumstances, it is necessary to think of new ways of accelerating SDGs action for those that are still behind in meeting the goals

Tijjani Muhammad Bande

President of the UN General Assembly

Excellencies,

While Governments have the primary responsibility to implement the 2030 Agenda, we must forge mutually beneficial partnerships with the private sector, youth and the civil society. Already, in many areas, youth and women have shown such creativity and leadership that their continued marginalization can only be perilous for us. Inclusion is, therefore, key to enhancing International peace and security, promoting the rule of law and human rights, as well as building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Thank you.