Adoption of 2030 Agenda ‘Was a Triumph of Multilateralism, Inclusiveness and Universality’, Secretary-General Tells European Development Days

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by David Nabarro, Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the High-Level Panel on Aligning Institutions to Support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), at the European Development Days, in Brussels today:

I am pleased to send my greetings to everyone at this important panel discussion on aligning institutions to support the Sustainable Development Goals.

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda, including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, was a triumph of multilateralism, inclusiveness and universality.  The SDGs are for everyone, in every country and every region around the world.  The European Development Days represent an important opportunity to share ideas and compare approaches, so that countries can learn from and support each other.

Public institutions will be central to implementation, as they formulate, implement, monitor and review the policies and laws that will give life to the SDGs.  We need institutions that are up to the task, and we need them to work together.

At the United Nations last September, all Heads of State and Government committed to the SDGs.  Continued leadership from the top will mobilize ministries and public institutions to work together for the benefit of all.  Parliaments also have a critical role.  Not only can they legislate to implement the SDGs, they also exercise oversight over budgets and can hold the executive to account.

But, no department or country can implement this agenda alone.  Success will depend on close partnerships among all the various groups and institutions concerned — Governments, private sector and civil society.  Policies on the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development must form a coherent whole, within and across countries.

The process that led to agreement on the historic 2030 Agenda was characterized by inclusiveness and broad participation.  Let us remain true to that spirit as we implement the changes that are needed to achieve these ambitious Goals.