Wed Sep 25 07:58:44 UTC 2024: ## UN Chief Urges Finance, Climate Action, and Peace to Achieve SDGs by 2030
**New York, September 24, 2024** – UN Secretary-General António Guterres today called for a three-pronged approach of increased finance, robust climate action, and global peace to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.
Speaking at the SDG Moment event at UN Headquarters, Guterres highlighted the alarming fact that more than 80% of SDG targets are off track due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, crippling debt burdens, ongoing conflicts, and widespread inequalities. Despite this, he emphasized that the world has the resources and expertise to achieve the Goals.
Guterres stressed the need for increased financing to combat the crippling debt faced by many developing nations. He urged leaders to support the Pact for the Future, adopted this past Sunday, which includes an SDG stimulus plan and reforms to the global financial architecture aimed at easing the debt crisis.
Regarding climate action, Guterres called for ambitious national plans aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He advocated for phasing out fossil fuels, scaling up renewable energy, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. He also emphasized the need for increased contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and for developed nations to double adaptation funding by 2025.
Finally, Guterres stressed the vital importance of peace in achieving the SDGs. He stated that conflict erases development gains and leads to death, destruction, hunger, displacement, and gender-based violence. He called on world leaders to heal divisions, end conflicts, and invest in people and peace.
UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang echoed the need for continued focus on the SDGs, highlighting the importance of bold and just transitions in areas such as food systems, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and education.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, one of 17 SDG Advocates, identified climate change, women and girls’ opportunities, and youth participation as key “multipliers” for achieving the SDGs. He emphasized the crucial role of young people in tackling climate change and ensuring their voices are heard in leadership positions.
The SDG Moment brought together world leaders, civil society representatives, and other prominent figures to discuss the challenges and opportunities in accelerating progress towards the Goals. The event underscored the need for collective action and commitment to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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