States Must Work Harder to Address Inequality, Promote Development for All, Secretary-General Says at Buenos Aires Conference

(Delayed for technical reasons.)

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by René Mauricio Valdés, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Argentina, to the Conferencia Internacional de Discriminación, Igualdad de Oportunidades y Desarrollo, in Buenos Aires on 30 August:

As the twenty-first century advances, the world is wealthier than ever before.  Yet, wealth and opportunities are increasingly concentrated in the hands of the few.  In fact, inequalities within and among nations have never been larger than today.  Enormous disparities, often fuelled by discrimination, unjustly exclude hundreds of millions of people from enjoying the benefits of development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by Member States last year is a collective promise by world leaders to combat inequalities and leave no one behind as we work for people, planet, peace and prosperity.  The human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination are at its heart.  The 2030 Agenda calls for inclusive development focused on equal opportunities based on the principle of equal enjoyment of equal human rights for all.

Realizing this vision demands the participation of the most marginalized groups.  We must ensure the inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities, youth, women and girls, older persons, indigenous peoples, afrodescendants and sexual minorities.  To be truly inclusive, the Agenda must reach those who are not seen or heard, who we still need to find, who have no voice or group to speak on their behalf.

This is a universal agenda.  No country is immune from discrimination and unequal treatment.  All States must work harder to address inequality within and among countries.  This requires collecting data about different social groups while changing discriminatory laws, policies and practices that prevent full access to public services and full participation in society.  Governments must allocate the necessary resources and implement policies and programmes that will end discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all.

At the same time, we must recognize that Governments cannot succeed alone.  That is why partnerships with civil society, businesses and other stakeholders are so important.

Inclusion and respect for human rights are a moral imperative and legal obligation of States.  They are the solid foundation for thriving and peaceful societies.  They contribute to resilient and prosperous communities.  Businesses, and the economy overall, benefit when all members of society have equal access to health, education and employment.

I applaud your focus on discrimination, equal opportunity and sustainable development.  The United Nations is committed to supporting you in your endeavours towards a just, equitable and inclusive world.  In these tumultuous times, we must stand up for rights, opportunity and dignity for all.