Rise of Philanthropy in Developing World Important Factor for Achieving Sustainable Development, Secretary-General Stresses at China Charity Fair

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the Fifth China Charity Fair, in Shenzhen, China, today:

Honourable philanthropists, ladies and gentlemen,

Ni Hau.

It is a pleasure to greet the Fifth China Charity Fair.  Charity is an important expression of unity and friendship among peoples and countries.

This year, the world has a new focus for volunteering and giving: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  This new universal framework, with 17 Sustainable Development Goals at its core, is the most comprehensive and ambitious anti-poverty, pro-planet action plan ever adopted by world leaders.

For it to achieve its transformative potential, we must unleash the full force of the human spirit.  Global philanthropy continues to generate innovative approaches and provide much-needed resources.

An important new dimension is the dramatic rise of philanthropy in the developing world, which is leading new actors to become involved in addressing local and global challenges.  I call on people everywhere to be part of our 15-year partnership to make the Sustainable Development Goals a reality for all.

Charity is one of the best investments we can make in our common future.  I thank all involved in the Fifth China Charity Fair for your commitment to this cause.  Please accept my best wishes for the success of your work.

Thank you, Xie Xie.