To Achieve Sustainable Development, We Must Reach More Vulnerable People, Secretary-General Tells Conference on 2030 Agenda for Fragile States

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Global Conference on the 2030 Agenda:  A Road Map for Sustainable Development Goals in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States, in Dili, Timor-Leste, today:

This Global Conference on the 2030 Agenda in fragile and conflict-affected States can advance prevention — my top priority as Secretary-General.  I thank Timor-Leste for hosting, and sharing its valuable experience.

The 2030 Agenda was adopted with a pledge to leave no one behind — and reach those furthest behind first.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we have to reach more vulnerable people — and renew our focus on prevention, sustaining peace and peacebuilding.

We also need to take a hard look at the drivers of violent conflict — which include inequality, unemployment, climate change and the misuse of natural resources.

Sustainable development and sustaining peace go hand in hand.  Let us affirm our commitment to both.

I wish you great success at this Conference.  The United Nations stands ready to support your work for a safer and more sustainable future.  Thank you.