Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to participate in the Civil Society Forum of the Commission for Social Development. It is always a pleasure to engage with representatives of civil society who are committed to increasing awareness and contributing to discussions on emerging social development issues.
Thanks also to the NGO Committee on Social Development and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung for their excellent collaboration in organizing this important civil society forum.
This Forum convenes at a time when ※the SDGs, which carry the hopes, dreams and expectations of people everywhere, are at risk of being left behind§, as highlighted by the UN Secretary-General.
Only 15 per cent of the Goals are on track. But all is not lost, and hope does exist. At the SDG Summit in September 2023, world leaders issued a call for action to promote a more inclusive, just, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world for people and planet, for present and future generations.
Rescuing the SDGs will require global concerted efforts of Governments, the private sector and civil society. And it will require a shift in how we think about social, economic and environmental policies that allows us to centre our decision-making on the well-being of people and planet.
By implementing transformative social policies, we can address the barriers that impede progress and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed. When these policies are created with a strong commitment to justice, they can bring about significant change.
Social justice ensures that every person is treated fairly and equitably. In order to achieve social justice, we need to prioritize inclusivity and diversity. This involves creating environments where every voice is heard and valued, and where discrimination and prejudice are not tolerated.
Social policies that prioritize quality education, universal healthcare, decent work, social protection, and empowerment are crucial for lifting people out of poverty and addressing the root causes of inequality.
Investing in social justice and working towards the eradication of poverty and inequality is an investment in our shared humanity.
Investing in digital transformation and bridging the digital divide is also crucial for promoting inclusive growth. It is important to make investments that ensure equal access to digital technologies for everyone and support skills training and continuous learning. Digital transformation policies should also prioritize social development considerations, including disadvantaged individuals and communities.
Member States have endorsed the proposal to convene of a world social summit in 2025. GA is scheduled to adopt a resolution before the end of February. This summit would build on the outcomes of the SDG Summit and the forthcoming Summit of the Future to forge a new global consensus and concrete commitments to promote inclusive, equitable and resilient societies.
I am committed to advocating for inclusive, safe and meaningful civil society participation in these milestone 51勛圖 intergovernmental processes.
We need the voices, expertise, and ingenuity of civil society in helping to get the world back on track to achieving the 2030 Agenda.
We count on you to work closely with the UN family and Member States towards accelerating progress in promoting social justice and digital transformation for all.
I wish you all a successful Forum.
Thank you for your kind attention.