World in an era of wondrous opportunity – UN Boss
Mr Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on Tuesday observed that each year at this time, world leaders come together – not to preserve the status quo, but to drive our world forward.
He said: “This is an era of wondrous opportunity. Ours is the first generation that can wipe poverty from the face of the earth. Yet the pressures on people and the planet are building: Youth without jobs, a warming climate and unresolved conflicts.”
Mr Ban said this in his address at the opening ceremony of the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
He said events are moving with 21st-century speed, often outpacing the institutions and systems designed for another age.
“In streets and squares across the world, people are pressing those in power. They want you, the world’s leaders, to listen. They want to know that we are doing all it takes to secure a life of dignity for all.
“For more than a decade, the end of the year 2015 has been our long horizon. What once seemed a distant moment is now just around the corner; 2015 is the year by which we have pledged to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. It is the year in which we will adopt a new development agenda.
“And it is the year in which you have agreed to complete a global agreement on climate change. 2015 is a historic opportunity, the Secretary-General said.
He said the millennium development goals (MDGs) have captured the imagination, generated remarkable gains and beat back doubts about development itself.
Mr Ban said: “Yet on some goals, we lag badly. Inequality is growing. Too many people face exploitation – from fields to factory floors.”
He said a new development agenda must be as inspiring as the MDGs, while going further, it must be universal, with ending poverty as its top priority, sustainable development at its core, and governance as its glue. It must find expression in a single set of goals.
He said there should be no hierarchy among the three dimensions of sustainable development – no deferring the environment or social justice for later, once economic growth is assured.
“The empowerment and rights of women must be at the heart of everything we do.
“The equation is simple: When girls are healthy and in school; when legal frameworks and financial access support women; when women’s lives are free of violence and discrimination, nations thrive.
“I add my voice to those of the leaders who will gather this afternoon to adopt a strong declaration on sexual violence in conflict,” he said.
Mr Ban said the inability of Member States and the United Nations to prevent and put a stop to large-scale human rights violations has had disastrous consequences.
“Let us take our cue from Nelson Mandela – frail today, but forever in our awareness as a towering model of integrity and principled action in the pursuit of human dignity,” he said.
Source: GNA