Deputy UN Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed addressed the crowd at the Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park, thanking them for their advocacy for justice and their commitment to building a better world. The festival, a flagship event of the Global Citizen movement, featured performances by international artists such as Shakira, Cardi B and Rosé and aims to end extreme poverty.
Ms. Mohammed reminded the audience that only five years remain to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of objectives designed to create a more equitable future for people and the planet. While progress has been made, she stressed that it is insufficient and urgent action is needed. As a former Special Advisor to UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑Moon, she helped shape the Goals and secure consensus from UN Member States in 2015.
The deputy UN chief highlighted the massive financing required to meet the SDGs, estimating that $4.3 trillion is needed annually to ensure no one is left behind. She emphasized the importance of promoting peace, quality education and environmental protection, noting the need to prevent artificial intelligence from widening existing divides and to ensure women’s inclusion in decision‑making processes.
Ms. Mohammed urged the audience to stay committed to finding solutions to global challenges, using their voices to demand action and reject indifference. She called for collective effort to address pressing issues such as the crises 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 works toward the Sustainable Development Goals, events like this play a crucial role in mobilizing support and encouraging action. With the deadline looming, the deputy UN chief’s message is a reminder of the need for sustained effort and commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
Comments are closed for this story.