In Message to Social Good Summit, Secretary-General Says New Technologies, Media Offer Solutions for Worldwide Challenges, Forges Pathways to Peace, Justice

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, delivered by David Nabarro, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the 2016 Social Good Summit, in New York today:

I am pleased to extend my greetings to all those gathered for the 2016 Social Good Summit.  I am greatly inspired by your passion and ambition to tackle shared challenges and transform our world.

Just one year ago, following an unprecedented global conversation across platforms and technologies, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  I call it a global declaration of interdependence; it is our plan for the future of the world.

Leaders committed to create a just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive world in which we leave no one behind.  But, success depends on all of us driving action and holding leaders accountable.

We live at a time of extraordinary progress and potential.  Technology has offered solutions to many challenges and opened extraordinary avenues for participation and civic engagement.

At the same time, people face barriers from fully participating in their societies.  Differences in religion, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability are being exploited to stoke division and distrust.  Inequality, climate change and conflict pull at the fabric that binds communities together.

We are still far from the world we want.  But, the potential of new technologies and media — represented by all of you — gives me great hope.  I encourage you to keep helping us forge innovative pathways to expand opportunities and build a world where all people enjoy dignity, justice, and peace.  Thank you for your commitment.