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17 Goals to Transform Our World
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. More important than ever, the goals provide a critical framework for COVID-19 recovery. Read more here
GOAL OF THE MONTH – GOAL 9: INDUSTRIES, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Information and communication technologies have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. The crisis has accelerated the digitalization of many businesses and services, including teleworking and video conferencing systems in and out of the workplace, as well as access to healthcare, education and essential goods and services. However, the world still has a long way to go to fully tap this potential. Least developed countries, in particular, need to accelerate the development of their manufacturing sector if they are to meet the 2030 target, and scale up investment in scientific research and innovation.
UN Secretary-General to deliver Nelson Mandela Lecture (18 July)
At 9:00 am EDT on Saturday, 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will deliver the 18th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture.
In his speech “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era”, the Secretary-General will take aim at the various layers of inequality that are being exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He will outline the threat posed to our well-being and our future by historic injustices and current trends, from colonialism and patriarchy to racism and the digital divide, and make concrete recommendations for a more equitable, just and sustainable way forward in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The virtual event will feature the Secretary-General in New York and additional speakers in South Africa, including the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, and Graça Machel, stateswoman, women and children’s rights advocate and wife of the late Nelson Mandela. Register for the event here and watch live on 18 July.
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