Justice Critical for Sustainable Development, Reducing Inequalities, Secretary-General Says at Hague Museum Exhibition Opening

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the opening of the “One Planet” exhibit at the Science and Culture Museum of The Hague, Netherlands, today:

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to send this message of support as the Museon officially opens the permanent exhibition “One Planet”, dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are universal, indivisible, and interdependent.  We need to mobilize people to turn words into actions.

The Hague plays an important role.  As home to the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court, The Hague is the global capital of international justice.

Beginning with SDG 16, justice is a thread that runs through the entire sustainable development agenda.  It is essential for reducing inequalities, promoting women’s empowerment and ensuring decent work and lives for all.

I am especially pleased that you are putting a special focus on young people who are so critical to global success.  Let us utilize the energy and activism of all people — young, old and in between.  Now is the time to build a more sustainable planet — our one and only home.

Thank you.