Welcoming New European Consensus for Development, Deputy Secretary-General Underlines Future Where ‘No One Is Left Behind’
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the European Development Days, in Brussels today:
It is an honour to join you for the European Development Days — Europe’s leading forum on development since 2006.
We are now two years since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals have been rallying action on challenges ranging from poverty and inequality to the special plight of countries facing fragility, conflict and humanitarian emergencies.
European leaders continue to demonstrate strong commitment by aligning the work of the European Union with the 2030 Agenda. I would also like to express my deep appreciation for the efforts of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates, led by Prime Minister [Erna] Solberg of Norway and President [Nana] Akufo-Addo of Ghana. Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium is also playing a valuable role in promoting support for the Goals.
Looking ahead, I see four priorities.
First, strengthening the bonds of solidarity. Young people face appallingly high levels of unemployment, with implications for our common future, including security. Refugees experience harrowing journeys out of conflict and persecution, and along with migrants face discrimination in places that should be havens. We need to do more to provide protection and opportunities, while addressing the root causes.
Second, intensifying our efforts to empower women and girls. There is no inequality more pervasive and universal than gender inequality. I welcome the announcement last month here in Brussels that the European Union and the United Nations will forge a strategic partnership to take the equality and empowerment agenda further. Let us make this a great success, including in eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.
Third, increasing development financing. A difficult global environment continues to leave major gaps. It is crucial for countries to meet their commitments on official development assistance (ODA), and to target the use of ODA more effectively. But public finance alone will not suffice, and so we need to leverage public spending to generate private investment. That means forging the partnerships with the private sector that will unleash new financing and promote the dissemination of essential technology.
Fourth, pressing ahead with climate action. I don’t think it is necessary to focus on the decision by someone to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. To me and the Secretary-General, the next step is clear: We press ahead.
But we are also clear that we should not let the global consensus unravel any further. We need to find an effective solution that ensures the participation of all countries in managing the dangers of climate change. The Secretary-General and I will leave no stone unturned in our conversations with the relevant parties.
The Secretary-General set out his strategic vision for determined climate action a few days ago. We remain convinced that actions against climate change offers opportunities to create jobs, build new markets, improve health and steer the world onto a safer, more sustainable path.
The 2019 Climate Summit in New York will be an important moment, but of course that is more than two years away and we need action now. Europe was instrumental in making the Paris Agreement possible, and the world counts on you now, along with other major Powers, to keep ambition high.
On European Development Days, we recognize the remarkable achievements of Europe at home and around the world. Europe is admired globally for its high standards of living, and for the multilateral cooperation that has advanced peace for decades.
Today, there are strong synergies between the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Union’s priorities for sustainable development. Like the United Nations, you are focused on people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.
In that spirit, the United Nations welcomes today’s signing of the New European Consensus for Development. Let us join forces to build a future of dignity for all, in which no one is left behind.