Georgetown: President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has called upon the United Nations (UN) for more resources and actions to be mobilised to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its poverty eradication focus.
The President made this call in his address Monday, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, on the occasion of 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
“It is disheartening to note that millions of the world’s people are still living in poverty. Eradicating this scourge remains the greatest global challenge and the first priority for our Group. We must remind ourselves that poverty entails more than a lack of income or productive resources for sustainable livelihoods. It affects many aspects of life, and it impedes the achievement of many of the Sustainable Development Goals,” President Ali said.
He reminded the UN that it was just over five years ago that 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, was adopted as the UN’s “plan of action for people, planet and prosperity.” The Agenda recognises that eradicating poverty in all its forms is the greatest global challenge and a crucial requirement for sustainable development. This is important to note as the world, and, in particular, small, developing states, grapple with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This pandemic has brought to the forefront the development bottlenecks faced by developing countries, ranging from insufficient financing, inadequate market access for goods and services, the expanding digital divide, restrictions in accessing needed pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and reductions in revenue from tourism and exports, among others,” Dr. Ali said.
The President lauded the support given by the UN in its COVID-19 response. He reiterated that there must be solidarity to address the pandemic and a commitment to advance the Agenda and solidify global partnerships.
“We are committed to taking the actions needed for coordinated and comprehensive multilateral response to the development challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including initiatives on Financing for Development in the era of COVID-19 and beyond,” the Head of State said.
President Ali also saluted the UN on its 75th anniversary noting that the preservation of the organisation was critical and that the multilateral ideal must be zealously guarded as it is the vehicle on which solutions to the world’s problems will arrive.
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