Promote Inclusive Solutions that Enhance People’s Ability to Live in Peace, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Human Security Event

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed's remarks to the high-level event on human security and its contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in New York today:

I am really pleased to be with you, and I thank the President of the General Assembly for his opening remarks.  The human security approach is instrumental to sustainable development, inclusive peace, justice and the well-being and dignity of all people.  It is in fact central to the 2030 Agenda.

As outlined by the General Assembly, human security is a people-centred framework based on national ownership.  It aims to support Governments to strengthen their capacity to respond to threats that impede the ability of their people to live free from fear, want and indignity.

The human security approach recognizes the complexity and interconnected nature of today’s challenges.  It really does compel us to find coherent, comprehensive and integrated solutions that combine the expertise and resources of the United Nations system with those of Governments, regional and subregional organizations, the private sector, civil society and communities on the ground.

It promotes and demands greater coordination and efficiency and it advances integrated actions for concrete results that give us lasting improvements in the life of peoples and communities.  The approach is based on lessons learned from more than 15 years of programming supported by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and others.

It highlights the multidimensional consequences of chronic poverty and how they really are intertwined with the issues of climate change, migration, conflict, violent extremism and global public health interests.  It also underscores how close cooperation among a broad range of stakeholders can deliver context-driven and people-centred strategies to overcome the fragmentation that remains a major impediment to sustainable development globally.

Here at the United Nations, the Secretary-General has embarked on a series of review processes and reforms to fulfil his vision of a United Nations system that is less fragmented and much more efficient.  These reforms include management, development and the peace and security architecture.  Their underlying premise — and promise — is prevention.

Human security is an essential part of these processes.  Human security supports the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting contextualized and comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of our crises.

By considering current and emerging risks and vulnerabilities, human security is an effective tool for prevention.  The human security approach can also help guide efforts to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and longer-term development aid.

Programmes supported by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security have illustrated the power of catalytic interventions that pool resources and establish strong partnerships and better coherence of results on the ground.  One example is the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea.

This regional effort builds on an earlier Trust Fund programme in Uzbekistan to respond to the multifaceted challenges facing rural communities affected by the Aral Sea disaster.  The programme has contributed to poverty reduction and promoted sustainable livelihoods, enhanced nutrition and food security, better health and well-being, and improved resilience.

Other examples of the human security approach for prevention and well-being can be found in Timor-Leste, Lesotho and Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Initiatives are also under way in Haiti, Cameroon and Ecuador.

As we consider how to make the best use of the lessons that have been learned from these initiatives, let us work to build synergies among the efforts of people, Governments, the United Nations family, international, regional and subregional organizations, civil society and the private sector, all the key stakeholders to ensure success in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Let us work together to advance prevention and promote inclusive solutions that enhance people’s ability to live together in peace and well-being, with much stronger confidence in a sustainable future.

I wish you a really productive meeting and look forward to the outcome.