Integrated Development System Imperative for United Nations to Remain Relevant, Deputy Secretary-General Tells Advisory Board on Economic, Social Affairs

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the first meeting of the High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs, in New York today:

I am delighted to join you for the first meeting of the High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs.  I commend Under-Secretary-General Liu Kang for assembling such an accomplished group of advisers and experts.

This meeting reflects the importance and urgency we attach to repositioning the Department of Economic and Social Affairs as a thought leader in the global discourse on sustainable development.

As you are aware, Member States recently passed a landmark resolution which sets out the most comprehensive reform of the United Nations development system in decades.  It provides a strong mandate to the Secretary-General to ensure a transformed United Nations response which delivers results on the ground, tailored to specific country needs to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change.  At the heart of these reforms is the recognition that a coherent, integrated and coordinated United Nations system at the global, regional and country level is imperative for us to remain relevant and effective.

The demands and expectations of Member States on the United Nations are high, and rightfully so.  The world faces immense challenges.  While the global economy is projected to be on a stable growth trajectory, new risks and uncertainties loom large.  The multilateral system developed over the past seven decades is being confronted by growing voices of populism, protectionism and isolationism.  Income inequalities continue to grow within and across regions.  More people have been forcibly displaced from their homes by conflict and persecution than at any time since the Second World War.  Climate change is an inescapable reality, yet our collective efforts continue to fall short.

Fortunately, the 2030 Agenda provides an inspiring road map for a better future.  With new partnerships and approaches, we can address our shared vulnerabilities while seizing common opportunities.  We must also look to the far horizon for emerging challenges.  One clear example is the advance of frontier technologies.  Breakthroughs in genetics, robotics, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and related technologies offer great promises for eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development.  But, many of these technologies may also impose unforeseen costs on societies.

Your advice and insights will be critical across these challenges and concerns.  Secretary-General António Guterres and I greatly appreciate your commitment to support the United Nations.  The Department of Economic and Social Affairs has a strong role to play in providing the research, analysis and normative advocacy that form the basis of intergovernmental commitments.

I am confident that your deliberations will greatly benefit the Department’s work in steering the world towards sustainable development.  You have an exciting, challenging and complex task ahead.  We will count on your engagement and support.  Thank you.