Inclusive, Sustainable Development Best Way to Prevent Violent Conflict, Ensure Lasting Peace, Secretary-General Says at Club of Madrid Meeting

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Club of Madrid meeting on “Security and Development – a Critical Nexus”, in New York today:

It is a pleasure to greet my good friends in the Club of Madrid.  Thank you for gathering during the opening of the new session of the United Nations General Assembly.  As leaders in Government and other fields, you have much to contribute to this week’s debate.

The world faces major threats, from the nuclear peril to global terrorism to inequality and protected armed conflicts.  Megatrends such as climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization and migration continue to shape our future.

Your discussions focus on a key piece of the picture:  the connection between security and development.  There are clear links between failing economies and the fragility of societies.  Where progress fails to benefit all, the seeds of instability take root.  When people feel excluded, frustration can turn to radicalization.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our shared plan to advance peace and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.  Development is an end in itself.  But sustainable and inclusive development is also our best form of preventing violent conflict and sustaining peace.

Two days from now, the United Nations and the World Bank will release a major joint study on conflict prevention.  It will show us that prevention works.  And it will underscore that peace is far more than a question of security alone, and that security and development go hand in hand.

The United Nations looks forward to your support as we bring this understanding to life and strive to seize the opportunities of our era.  Thank you again for your contributions.