New York – October 23, 2014

Mr. Ted Turner, Founder and Chairman of the United Nations Foundation,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon to you all!

I am delighted to join and address you at this luncheon, as we reflect on issues of interest to our organisation, and to us all.

At the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, world leaders adopted the Millennium Declaration, committing to achieve eight Millennium Development Goals by 2015.   This was the greatest momentous, anti-poverty push in history.   In the past 14 years, we have seen great strides towards achieving the MDGs. However, there is still much to be done.

As we work on a post-2015 development agenda, which will be the primary focus in the coming year, we must ensure that the Sustainable Development Goals being formulated build on the foundation laid by the MDGs. Our efforts should create an inclusive and transformative development agenda with tangible benefits and livelihoods for all.   We should put people at the centre of what we do.

We have already made progress with the conclusion of several key processes. The outcomes of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing, as well as the forthcoming Secretary-General’s synthesis report, will undoubtedly help frame our discussions in the months ahead.

I chose “Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Development Agenda” as the theme of 69th session. It recognises one basic fact: it is one thing to negotiate the agenda, but it is another to implement it. Going forward, we must adopt an agenda that is not only implementable, but also one backed by proper means of implementation. There is need for an enhanced global partnership, to ensure that adequate financial, technological, capacity-building resources are mobilized and effectively utilized to implement the agenda.

Excellencies,

We have to ensure that the agenda, once adopted, is implemented on the ground. Therefore, engagement of all stakeholders at all levels will be critical. Whether it is parliaments, local, urban and city authorities, civil society, private sector, philanthropists or foundations, there is a major role for us all to play.

In the words of Mr. Ted Turner, “you don’t have to be a world leader – or even a billionaire – to make an impact….we all need to do our part to make it happen”.

I wish to thank the United Nations Foundation for its continued collaboration and partnership with the United Nations and other stakeholders around the world. Its engagement on issues including poverty eradication, climate change, global health, and women’s empowerment has been useful in fostering a more secure, peaceful and prosperous world.

As we consider our work for the 69th Session, support from the Foundation and its vast network of partners will be critical for reaching our shared objectives. We would welcome the Foundation’s continued support for our upcoming initiatives, such as our planned high-level events and other outreach and partnership-building activities. Our unique relationship will be instrumental toward bringing in previously untapped multi-stakeholder groups, which will allow Member States to build knowledge, share information and bridge critical gaps with new partner groups.

Regarding other important issues, there is general consensus that sustainable development is not achievable without simultaneous efforts to combat climate change. It is equally difficult if gender equality and women’s empowerment is not addressed. I will, through the General Assembly, mobilise Member States to support efforts and processes by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and UN Women respectively, on these issues.

Cognisant of the work ahead on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, as well as the importance of the priority issues on our agenda, I will convene four High-level Thematic Debates and Event on:

The means of implementation for the post-2015 agenda, in February 2015;

  • Advancing Gender equality and the empowerment of women in the post-2015 development agenda, in March 2015;
  • Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations for the peaceful settlement of disputes, in April or May, 2015; and
  • Addressing climate change, in June 2015.

Elsewhere, revitalisation of the General Assembly and reform of the Security Council to effectively and efficiently fulfil their mandates, remain important topics for our engagement.

Excellencies,

Governments now recognize that they cannot make progress on many pressing international challenges without partnerships, such as with businesses, corporations and foundations. These partners bring new ideas and resources, champion advocacy and promote global unity.

I look forward to moving this agenda forward in cooperation with all partners, including the United Nations Foundation.

I thank you for your commitment to our work and your kind attention.