Peace, Climate Change, and Finance - 'We don’t have a moment to lose' - UN Chief | Press Conference

Hybrid press briefing by the UN Secretary-General, along with Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Stefan Schweinfest, Director, Statistics Division, UN DESA and Yongyi Min, Chief, SDG Monitoring Section, Statistics Division, UN DESA. They will brief journalists on the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024. The Secretary-General will deliver opening remarks.
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At the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, Secretary-General António Guterres said, “our failure to secure peace, to confront climate change, and to boost international finance is undermining development.” He reiterated that the world must accelerate action for the Sustainable Development Goals – and “we don’t have a moment to lose.”

Guterres told reporters today (28 Jun) that “only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are on track. Progress on over one-third has stalled or even regressed.”

He continued, “In a world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge and technologies, the denial of basic needs for so many is outrageous and inexcusable. At the same time, we have what it takes to breakthrough to a better future. And the report carries some glimmers of hope.”

The UN chief stressed that the speed and scale of the change needed for sustainable development is still far too slow, and the world needs to go further and faster in three areas simultaneously.

First, Guterres said, “we need action for peace. From Gaza to Sudan, Ukraine and beyond, it’s time to silence the guns, to support the displaced, and to pivot from spending on destruction and war to investing in people and peace.”

“Second, we need action on the green and digital transitions,” he continued.

The Secretary-General urged countries to put forward ambitious National Climate Action plans in 2025 that align with the 1.5 degree limit, cover the whole economy and double as investment plans.

He also encouraged “a surge in investment in expanding access to digital connectivity and the benefits of the digital economy.”

Guterres called on countries to “make these transitions just, inclusive and fully aligned with broader efforts to achieve gender equality.”

“Third, we need action on finance,” he continued.

The UN chief stressed, “Many developing countries lack the financial resources and the fiscal space to invest in their futures and the future of their people.”

Gutress explained, “We must step up efforts to deliver the SDG Stimulus. That means doing much more to reduce debt pressures and debt servicing costs. It means expanding access to contingency financing for countries at risk of a cash flow crisis. And it means multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing the business model to leverage the necessary massive amounts of private finance.”

He concluded, “I am working with ten leaders from a diverse group of countries who are championing efforts to make the SDG Stimulus a reality.”

For his part, Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs told reporters that the Report carries some glimmers of hope.

He said, “On the past three decades, increased access to life saving HIV treatment has averted 20.8 million aids-related deaths. In education, just now as the Secretary-General pointed out, girls have achieved parity and even surpass the boys in completing their schooling at all levels in most regions. And digital divide is narrowing a little bit gradually, whereas the two thirds of the world's population, now having the access to the internet, nearly 30 percent of more than the figure in the 2015.”

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 details the significant challenges the world is facing in making substantial strides towards achieving the SDGs based on the latest data and estimates. It features areas with setbacks while also showcasing where tangible progress has been made, for instance, in reducing global child mortality, preventing HIV infection, and access to energy and mobile broadband. The report also hlights where action must accelerate, particularly in critical areas undermining SDG progress - climate change, peace and security, inequalities among and between countries, among others.

According to the report, with just six years remaining, current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the SDGs. Without massive investment and scaled up action, the achievement of the SDGs — the blueprint for a more resilient and prosperous world and the roadmap out of current global crises — will remain elusive. The lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and growing climate chaos have severely hindered progress. The report details the urgent priorities and areas needed for stronger and more effective action to ensure the 2030 promise to end poverty, protect the planet and leave no one behind.

[C.Mawia_]

If there is no Peace, there is no development.

[IdreesBangash-gbul]

Climatic changes are critical when we by force destroying the climate by raising war for few greed

[carlosponte]

Please change the Veto policies on the UN General Council so it is not highjacked by a handful of countries against almost 150 country majority on world pivotal resolutions.

[flav]

"It is admirable what Georgia Meloni has said, the most intelligent person in Europe and the world when she exposes the reality of environmental ideology in relation to the need to improve human livelihood, especially in the field of agriculture. The president understands very well that the environmental transition must proceed in tandem with agricultural and industrial development, rather than destroying and compromising the incomes of a nation."

[antoniosilvestre]

The people hope that the countries understand as to the actions and war crimes ongoing in Palestine that they are all complised to war crimes in aiding in no actions to prevent civilians harm and humaterian aid to Palestinians. The countries in the middle east will be recognised on preventing harm against unarmed civilians. They have done more than any country. Countries that aiding genocide and sitting back and watching how innocent children and unarmed civilians are murderd! This will be recognised for many years to come!!!!

[abdenasser]

Thanks UN to understand the message from yesterday...enjoy your weekend...more study 📖 coming...😊science never finish only need some human been first...(New Dimocracy)...

[mmyyven]

Cyprus
What about the Cyprus issue ?
Turkey, is half almost occupies the island since 1974
Kicked out the local population, been replaced them till on our days, mainly by Turks, settlers from its mainland

Ignoring of all of the UN resolutions about peace and justice for the island

Cypriot

[koloiyf]

Sorry, they have been arguing since they turned on the phone early in the morning, and I don’t know who they are talking bad about behind their backs. It is now 02:58 in the middle of the night.

[hsmartmobile]

indeed we don't have a moment to lose and wait !

[meeranraees]

10 years celleding taxes and climate change very least there's subject inquiry of United nation

[servofyah]

I'M SURE YOU DO ALWAYS FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF THE PAPACY

[souza]

Degree No More: A Call for Change

In halls of learning, minds ignite,
A future bright, where dreams take flight.
Yet shadows loom, a truth we see,
Our planet pleads for you and me.

Beneath the soil, the fossils lie,
An ancient gift we can't deny.
But now we know, the cost too great,
To burn our past, to seal our fate.

Degrees we earn, in wisdom's light,
To steer the world, to set it right.
No more the chains of fossil fire,
A greener path is our desire.

Subsidies once paved the way,
For industries that led astray.
But now the call, clear as a bell,
To break the spell, to end the sell.

Renewables, a beacon bright,
Wind and solar, day and night.
Innovation’s vibrant tide,
To heal the Earth, our constant guide.

So let us rise, with voices strong,
In unity, we right the wrong.
Degree by degree, we’ll strive and toil,
To end our thirst for fossil spoil.

No more subsidies, no more lies,
A cleaner world before our eyes.
For every child, for every tree,
A future fueled by energy free.

In classrooms, let this lesson be,
The legacy of you and me.
To leave behind, for all to see,
A planet thriving, wild and free.

[xasanaxmed]

👋 Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General Of the United, Lin Junhua, Under-Secretery-General For Economic And Social Affairs, Stefan Schweinfest, Director Statistics Division, UN DESA And Yongi Min, Chief, SDG Monitoring Section Statistics Division UN DESA.

[divinerespect]

My leaders small glass water cures dryness. 😊😊😊😊😊. Cup hot green tea before bed also cures .

[maidalynnn.jaguitrnmmphd]

Ma'am Maida Lynn N. Jaguit, RN, MM, PhD joining the UN Briefing with UN Spokesperson with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

[jparay]

Has the U. N. Considered Barter Techniques, Goods and services in correlation with money.

[IsaccNicolas-hi]

I Really appreciate your efforts sir Mr Antonio Guterres for your maximum support and cooperation together as we make move forward

[joejune]

Peace we do need and all over the world

[meeranraees]

What is general scientist in attacks out in system from United nations not SERVICES provided to general scientist

[sharifshah]

United nation is amazing, what a beautiful solution to Afghanistan problem.
A group under American payroll leases 40 million population.
Hats off UN.