[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,<\/p>\n
After the successful consideration of the first cluster last week, I would like to thank you for joining today\u2019s second thematic consultation on Our Common Agenda, this time under the theme of \u201cAccelerating the SDGs through sustainable financing and building trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
The proposals contained in the Secretary-General\u2019s report seek to give renewed vigor and vitality to the roadmap for a sustainable and more inclusive future up to, and beyond, 2030.<\/p>\n
The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted not only the importance of delivering our promises to future generations, but also the urgency of ensuring the viability of the means of implementation for the SDGs.<\/p>\n
The SDGs are interconnected and interdependent. They are enabled by a strong multilateral system, with the United Nations at its center.<\/p>\n
We must therefore strengthen our resolve to ensure a United Nations that is fit-for-purpose through greater political will from Member States and with broad multi-stakeholder partnerships.<\/p>\n
Building trust in the multilateral system, international law and the United Nations is central to achieving our common goal of a better world.<\/p>\n
Trust is the foundation of international diplomacy, and at the core of maintaining international peace and security.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
For the second thematic cluster, allow me to convey three (3) key points:<\/p>\n
First, human rights and the rule of law are fundamental elements to building trust.<\/p>\n
There is no alternative to the full respect of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Failure to adhere to those principles of law runs the risk of gross violations of human rights, insecurity, instability, and depletion of our natural resources, leading to more crises and conflicts.<\/p>\n
As has been stated by the General Assembly, the advancement of the rule of law remains essential for the realization of sustained economic growth, sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and hunger, and the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.<\/p>\n
Second, adequate financing for sustainable development is also a fundamental element to building trust.<\/p>\n
As a global community, we have long regretted the inadequacy of financing for sustainable development, particularly in the most vulnerable and least developed countries. This has been a persistent and perplexing reality.<\/p>\n
Sustainable financing for development has fallen far short of the ambition of the global goals in terms of both quality and quantity of financial resources. This issue is closely linked to the challenges we face with trust across all levels and layers of the global financial system.<\/p>\n
Present and future generations will find it difficult to trust any multilateral organization that lays out a blueprint for development without addressing the issue of resources to implement it.<\/p>\n
Similarly, they will also find it difficult to trust governments which do not ensure adequate financial resources with effective regulatory frameworks to meet the development goals those governments have agreed to.<\/p>\n
Third, financing and trust are crosscutting concerns under Our Common Agenda.<\/p>\n
We must keep in mind the cross-cutting nature of financing the SDGs and building trust.<\/p>\n
Operating in silos is simply unacceptable.<\/p>\n
The set of proposals for consideration under this cluster, on Accelerating the SDGs through sustainable financing and building trust, include bold ideas that require equally as bold action.<\/p>\n
Some require new initiatives, while others build upon and strengthen what already exists.<\/p>\n
Financing and trust are two issues that must be fully addressed in meaningful ways if we are to move beyond the rhetoric of the past, while being mindful of the present, and hopeful for the future.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
We are duty-bound to realize the promise, potential, and possibilities of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n
This is our moral imperative.<\/p>\n
This is our common ground, Our Common Agenda.<\/p>\n
And judging by last week\u2019s consultations, I trust that Member States will have another round of meaningful discussions on this important thematic issue.<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
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Second Thematic Consultation on \u201cOur Common Agenda\u201d Report: Accelerating the SDGs through sustainable financing and building trust<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the UN and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[550,604,583,556,601,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-257833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-ga","tag-oca","tag-our-common-agenda","tag-pga","tag-sg","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n