New York, September 19 (RHC)-- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday presented a six-point agenda for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as he opened the Summit dedicated to those goals in New York.
Guterres included ending hunger, transitioning to renewable energy, closing the digitalization gap, quality education, decent work and social protection, as well as addressing the planetary crisis, as indispensable steps on the global path.
"I am deeply encouraged by the detailed and comprehensive political declaration we are discussing, especially its commitment to improving developing countries' access to the fuel needed to advance the SDGs: finance," he said.
The UN high representative acknowledged the need for action to end hunger, which he called a dreadful stain on humanity and an epic threat to human rights.
"The transition to renewable energy, on the other hand, is not happening fast enough," he warned.
He stressed that "we are proposing new energy compacts in which governments, businesses and global organizations join forces to invest in decarbonizing energy systems and ensuring a just life and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables."
Third, Guterres touched on the benefits and opportunities of digitization as he announced an initiative that seeks to drive transformation in 100 countries to support stronger technological capabilities, better governance and financing.
At the same time, he called for building true "learning societies" based on quality education, including lifelong learning, as well as ensuring decent work and social protection.
Finally, the secretary general called for ending the war against nature as well as ensuring full gender equality.
"We must put an end to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss," he added.
He recalled that member states' commitment includes clear support for a stimulus for the SDGs of at least $500 billion a year, as well as an effective debt relief mechanism that supports debt standstills, longer loan terms and lower rates.
He also insisted on the call to recapitalize and change the business model of multilateral development banking so that they can massively leverage private finance at affordable rates for the benefit of developing countries.
Guterres called for support to reform the outdated, dysfunctional and unfair rules of the international financial architecture.
"Halfway to the SDG deadline, the eyes of the world are on you once again," he emphasized.
