Youth, Elders Together Can Help Break Generations-Long Cycles of Poverty, Secretary-General Tells DPI-NGO Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Department of Public Information-Non-Governmental Organization Intergenerational Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals, in New York today:

Welcome to the United Nations.  Thank you for participating in this important Intergenerational Dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals.

We have no greater partner than you, the non-governmental organizations.  Today, you reach across generations to help realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda:  a life of dignity for all people.

The youth and the older persons in this room have wisdom, experience, energy and ideals.  Some of you have spent decades fighting for what is right.  Others have just started your journey.  Both groups share the conviction that we owe it to the people of our planet to rise to this very difficult moment in history.

Together, you can help break cycles of poverty that have lasted for generations — and trigger transformational change that endures for generations to come.

The United Nations is committed to working with you for a more peaceful, just and prosperous future for all.