United Nations Approves Deceleration to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations Approves Deceleration to Accelerate Sustainable Development Goals

Recent UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit recently took place at the UN headquarters in New York. The two-day event saw the approval of a political declaration aimed at accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals. The declaration’s primary objective is to provide support to developing countries, including financial assistance.

New Sustainable Development Stimulus Plan

The declaration explicitly supports the UN Secretary-General Guterres’ proposal for a sustainable development stimulus plan. This plan calls for an annual allocation of at least $500 billion and an effective debt relief mechanism. The intention behind the stimulus plan is to catalyze the sustainable development efforts of developing countries.

Reform of International Financial Structure

The approved declaration also urged for a change in the business model of multilateral development banks to provide private funds to developing countries at more affordable rates. It supports the reform of the international financial structure, which, according to Guterres, is “outdated, uncoordinated, and unfair.”

Key Areas of Focus

Guterres emphasized that achieving sustainable development goals requires action in six key areas. These include solving the problem of hunger, increasing investment in the transition to renewable energy, and promoting universal internet access. He also outlined the UN’s response measures in various areas, such as reforming the global food system to ensure everyone can have a healthy diet.

Current State of Global Poverty

The 78th UN General Assembly President Francis noted that despite commitments made by the international community, as of 2022, 1.2 billion people still live in multidimensional poverty. By 2030, about 8% of the global population (approximately 680 million people) will still face hunger. However, he emphasized that through “coordinated and ambitious action,” it is still possible for the international community to lift 124 million people out of poverty by 2030.

Affirmation of Commitment to Sustainable Goals

The Chair of the UN Economic and Social Council, Paula Navarez, confirmed that the approved declaration is a testament to the firm commitment of all countries to achieve sustainable development goals.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

In September 2015, the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which has 17 sustainable development goals at its core. The Agenda is committed to eliminating poverty, promoting equality, and addressing climate change by 2030. Guterres noted at the summit that currently, only 15% of the goals are on track, and many have even regressed. However, he believes that the political declaration approved at this summit “can promote change and accelerate the progress of sustainable development goals.”