Deputy Secretary-General, at Event for ‘MY World’ Report, Calls on People Everywhere to Practise Tolerance, Promote Socioeconomic Development
Following are UN Deputy Secretary‑General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at the “MY World” celebration, in New York, on 12 December:
I am delighted to be with all of you today. I thank the talented young performers for their creativity and for handing over the “We the peoples-7 Million Voices” report.
Gathering the voices of over 7 million people through the MY World survey has been a great accomplishment. I would like to thank the MY World voters and the over 900 committed partners worldwide, who have brought the voices of the people to the United Nations in such an inspirational way. Hearing the opening section of “Imagine” gives me the cue to thank the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for their latest imaginative campaign, designed to make the world understand the exposure and predicament of vulnerable children.
This report brings to mind the Charter that was signed nearly 70 years ago at the birth of the United Nations in San Francisco. That document begins with three resounding words — “We the peoples” — highlighting the inclusive nature of the United Nations. Improving the lives of people and social participation are key elements of this Organization’s identity.
The MY World process, and the wider task of shaping the post-2015 development agenda, has broken new ground in bringing the United Nations to the people and the people to the United Nations.
The report represents our common aspirations, regardless of nationality, gender, age or any other background. The MY World survey testifies to the wishes of people everywhere to practice tolerance, live in peace, maintain security and promote social and economic development. These are their priorities for the next 15 years. It is up to us to help turn them into a reality.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been a powerful tool in translating a shared global vision into human development. The MDGs have generated the most successful anti-poverty push in history. At the same time, we know that much more needs to be done if we are to finish the job and set the direction for the new sustainable development agenda.
We face a range of challenges that require heightened attention, such as job creation and social protection, as well as fighting inequalities and social exclusion. And we know we have much to do for peaceful societies, human rights and the rule of law.
The MY World survey has played an important role in shaping the thinking of the international community. As the Secretary‑General noted in his recently released synthesis report: “Having now opened the tent wide to a broad constituency, we must recognize that the legitimacy of this process will rest in significant measure on the degree to which the core messages that we have heard are reflected in the final outcome.”
As Member States continue to discuss the new agenda, let us all do our part to bring about an inspiring framework as well as an ambitious agreement on climate change. The year ahead will be crucial for the well-being of people and the planet.
Today Kate Gurney, the first MY World voter, has given us all a wonderful performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Imagine every person knowing what the goals are when they are adopted in September 2015. Imagine 7 billion voices telling us what they wanted to see from the new development goals. Imagine that everyone works together to ensure that they become a reality. Is that an impossible vision? I do not know, but let us do everything we can to diminish the gap between the world as it is, and the world as it should be. Nobody can do everything but everybody can do something.