By Miroslav Jenča
Miroslav Jenča is UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs. Following are his keynote remarks originally delivered on February 17, 2017 at a working luncheon at the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the UN in New York under the title ‘Political and Economic Reforms: Steps in implementing SDG 16’.
NEW YORK (IDN) – More than 150 world leaders came together in New York in September 2015 and adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a historic pledge to end poverty, hunger and inequality; take action on climate change and the environment; ensure inclusive access to health and education; promote sustainable economic growth for all; and build inclusive, just and peaceful institutions and societies. As we survey the world today – inundated with conflict, crisis and turmoil – delivering on the promises of the 2030 Agenda has greater urgency than ever.
While the 2030 Agenda as a whole is an ambitiously transformative agenda, the premium it places on peace, human rights and inclusivity is perhaps its most remarkable feature. The Agenda recognizes that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace and that there can be no peace without sustainable development. It is not a coincidence, then, that peace has been included as one of five key prerequisites for the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside people, planet, prosperity, and partnership. Continue reading