Deputy Secretary-General Calls for Integrated Response to Health, Digital, Climate Challenges, Addressing ‘Governance for Sustainable Development’ Event

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s video message to the “Governance for Sustainable Development” session, part of the high-level “A shared Sustainable Recovery Based on the SDGs” event in Dubai today:

Excellencies, dear friends,

I am pleased to join the European Union, Italy, the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development and all participants, and I thank the Italian pavilion for hosting us today.  Millions of visitors to the Expo have witnessed the creativity and ingenuity of our human family.

We start 2022 facing great challenges that are compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the Secretary-General has noted, the choices we make — or fail to make — today could result in two opposing pathways for our future.  A breakdown into climate chaos, inequalities and perpetual crisis.  Or a breakthrough to green, resilient economies and societies.

With the Sustainable Development Goals as our blueprint, 2022 can be the year where we move decisively towards a breakthrough.  Inclusive, equitable and sustainable recovery efforts can accelerate the transitions required to meet our 2030 global goals.  The European Union’s Global Recovery Initiative is a significant contribution in that direction.

Today’s challenges highlight the gaps and limitations of both national and international governance.  If we are to recover from the pandemic, strengthen the social contract and deliver on the promise of the SDGs, we need institutions that are more agile, more inclusive and more effective.

We need to address the health, digital and climate challenges in an integrated manner.  That means strengthening cooperation between States and with local authorities, civil society and the private sector.  It means boosting the participation of young people and women in all decision-making and empowering community-led solutions.  And it means embracing innovation and taking into account the interests of future generations.

Dear friends,

These difficult times present us with an unprecedented opportunity.  Together, let us seize the moment and leap forward to a better future for all.

Thank you.