Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed the crowd at the Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, expressing gratitude for their advocacy for justice and commitment to creating a better world. The festival, which featured performances by international artists such as Shakira, Cardi B, and Rosé, is a flagship event of the Global Citizen movement, aimed at ending extreme poverty.
Ms. Mohammed reminded the audience that there are only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of objectives designed to create a more equitable future for people and the planet. She emphasized that while progress has been made, it is not sufficient, and urgent action is needed to meet the goals. As a former Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Ms. Mohammed played a key role in shaping the Goals and securing consensus from UN Member States in 2015.
The deputy UN chief highlighted the significant financing required to achieve the Goals, estimating that $4.3 trillion is needed annually to ensure that no one is left behind. She also stressed the importance of promoting peace, quality education, and environmental protection, citing the need for measures to prevent artificial intelligence from exacerbating existing divides and ensuring that women are included in decision-making processes.
Ms. Mohammed urged the audience to remain committed to finding solutions to global challenges, using their voices to demand action and reject indifference. She emphasized the need for collective effort to address pressing issues, such as the situations in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, and to protect the planet’s ecosystems, from the Amazon to the Congo and beyond.
The Global Citizen Festival serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness-raising, bringing together individuals and organizations to promote positive change. As the international community continues to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, events like the festival play a crucial role in mobilizing support and encouraging action. With the deadline for achieving the Goals looming, the deputy UN chief’s message serves as a reminder of the need for sustained effort and commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
