Dear Colleagues,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for the opportunity to address this Civil Society Forum, organized on the occasion of the 60th session of the Commission for Social Development. Civil society actors have long been our valuable partners in raising awareness of and contributing to important discussions on global development issues.
I will focus my remarks on the chosen theme this year, ¡°Inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19 for sustainable livelihoods, well-being and dignity for all: eradicating poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions to achieve the 2030 Agenda.¡±
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased poverty, inequality, food insecurity, malnutrition, and environmental challenges. Rural populations have been hard hit by the crisis, with potentially long-lasting effects. It is estimated that more than 650 million may still be facing hunger in 2030.
The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the importance of digital technologies:
? from fighting the spread of the virus through access to on-line education, e-healthcare, teleworking, and delivery of essential goods and services, to
? keeping family and friends connected.
In this context, let us remember that 2.9 billion people around the world are still not connected to the internet ¨C mostly those living in rural and remote communities. We must close the digital divide and connect everyone, everywhere, to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for all people.
Another area in need of urgent action is to strengthen social protection systems to cover all populations - including many of the world¡¯s 2 billion informal workers who have fallen deeper into poverty.
A challenge highlighted in UN DESA's 2022 World Economic and Social Prospects Report, is that insufficient fiscal space, and the slow recovery of employment, will undermine poverty reduction in many developing countries. Indeed, uneven recovery of employment and income is increasing inequalities within countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
With less than 10 years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it is vital to address the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, including children and older persons, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples.
We have heard a clear message from the Commission so far. There is a need to put in place long-term integrated policy frameworks that ensure the sustainable livelihoods, well-being, and dignity of all people.
Global commitment is needed to achieve universal social protection for all, and equal access to basic services, particularly:
? quality education and healthcare,
? infrastructure, and
? access to decent work and digital technologies
Civil society organizations play a critical role in fostering advocacy, and monitoring programmes aimed at solving these critical issues.
We must work together and intensify our efforts towards creating an inclusive and sustainable future, free of poverty and hunger.
When Everyone is Included, Everyone Benefits.
I wish you all a successful forum.
Thank you for your attention.