The UN General Assembly adopted a political declaration on Monday to expedite action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs are currently falling behind schedule for their 2030 deadline.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, was among the world leaders who endorsed the political declaration aimed at advancing the 17 SDGs.
This declaration encompasses a commitment to provide financing for developing countries.
It also offers explicit support for Tinubu’s proposal for an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion annually, as well as an effective mechanism for debt relief.
Additionally, it advocates for a transformation of the business model of multilateral development banks. This will make private finance more accessible to developing nations at lower rates.
The declaration also endorses reform of the international finance architecture. The architecture had been characterized by Tinubu as “outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair.”
During the high-level forum on SDGs at the UN headquarters in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the SDGs represent more than just a list of goals.
“They carry the hopes, dreams, rights and expectations of people everywhere.’’
2015 Commitments
World leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
They committed to addressing various global challenges, including poverty, hunger, clean water access, green energy, quality education, and digitalization.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns about the slow transition to renewable energy, unequal digitalization benefits, and inadequate education access.
He emphasized gender equality, decent work, and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
Guterres highlighted UN initiatives to transform food systems, invest in renewable energy, and create jobs.
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis stressed the need for decisive action to lift people out of poverty and combat hunger.
Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), praised the declaration and called for international financial reform and climate action progress.
The SDG Summit aims to accelerate SDG progress under the theme of “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity.”