Secretary-General Says ‘Vibrant Every Woman, Every Child Movement’ Critical to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks to the Every Woman, Every Child high-level advisory group, in New York today:

I am pleased to be with you today.

When I launched the first Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health in 2010, we set out a vision to save and improve the lives of millions.  The Strategy, and the Every Woman, Every Child movement that followed it, helped to galvanize the international community.

We accelerated progress in the health arena and focused attention and action on the Millennium Development Goals that were among the furthest behind.  I am proud of what we have achieved.

During these past six years, I have visited priority countries with Every Woman, Every Child.  I have met the women and children who are at the core of our efforts, those who need us most.  These visits to hospitals and clinics will remain in my memory forever.

I have been moved by stories of hardship and triumph.  And I have been inspired by the commitment of the health workers and communities.  I have also been inspired by you, our partners in this noble vision.

I have seen the progress possible through innovation and multi-stakeholder collaboration.  Every Woman, Every Child is a beautiful model that can be replicated in so many settings.

As I look back, I see how strong our movement has become.  The results it has achieved prove that our vision was right and that we must keep these issues front and centre as we embark on a new project of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Together we have developed and launched an updated Global Strategy for the SDG era, which now includes adolescents.  I call them the SDG generation.  They will grow to maturity and leadership in the coming years.  They and their societies will benefit immensely from our efforts.

Today, I am honoured to be joined by the Every Woman, Every Child high-level advisory group.  I commend you for championing this movement and calling for commitments and political support at the highest levels.

The high-level advisory group will evolve into the steering group for Every Woman, Every Child.  It will help to ensure that the movement continues strong, with leadership from many countries and leaders from many different sectors.

To help implement this vision, I have also launched a Global Financing Facility as a pathfinder for innovative financing.

I am glad that [Norway] Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Dr. Jim Yong Kim of the World Bank are with us today to present a report that speaks about the importance of the Global Financing Facility in support of Every Woman, Every Child.

To achieve the SDGs, we need more investments in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health.  To achieve the SDGs, we need a vibrant Every Woman, Every Child movement.

I am honoured to have spearheaded this movement since 2010.  We have accomplished many things together.  We have faced challenges and found solutions.

My wish is for this community to continue strong, united and central to development efforts in the years to come so we can truly deliver health and well-being for women, children and adolescents everywhere.  That is the route to a more prosperous, more inclusive and more equitable future.

Let us leave no one behind.  And I thank you for your strong commitment.