UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called upon global leaders to enact a more transformative plan that will help the world achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
While addressing the 78th United Nations General Assembly [UNGA] in New York, Guterres acknowledged commitment by global leaders in fast-tracking action, specific plans remain limited.
As per a recent UN report, 15 per cent of the 140 specific targets required to achieve the 17 SDGs are on track.
The UN report further states that if nothing is done then over 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty by 2030 and it will take two and a half centuries to achieve gender equality.
UN boss called for a “global rescue plan” for the SDGs and urged governments, activists, businesses, scientists, academics, and young people to collaborate on concrete proposals.
Guterres hinted at new global that focuses on debt reduction, increased financing for development, and contingency financing for countries in need.
“It’s time our leaders invest in children, emphasizing their role in building a more peaceful world. While there is some hope, the translation of administrative promises and UNGA momentum into tangible progress remains uncertain,” Guterres adds.
Experts argue that achieving these ambitious goals requires collective and transformative action on a global scale.
As the 78th session continues there is no single prevailing crisis poised to overshadow the General Debate, as the issues mentioned earlier remain unresolved.
The high-level gathering will take place amidst an ongoing conflict, emerging political challenges in West Africa and Latin America, the persisting pandemic, economic uncertainties, escalating inequality, and recent occurrences of natural disasters, including destructive earthquakes, floods, and fires.
The SDGs include eradicating extreme poverty, ensuring quality education for all children, achieving gender equality, and addressing climate change, were adopted in 2015 with ambitious aims.