UN chief calls for more efforts to implement development goals

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday called for strengthened efforts towards an effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"We want to ensure the SDGs are held up as a beacon for all future General Assembly sessions until the year 2030," he said.

The statement came when the UN chief was speaking to the SDG Advocacy Group, which met here on the sidelines of the annual high-level debate of the UN General Assembly.

"As advocates, I am relying on you to continue to promote the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of the SDGs, and commitment to leave no one behind," Ban said.

The SDGs were unanimously adopted by world leaders in September 2015 to serve as the blueprint for global development efforts in the years leading up to 2030. The 17 goals aim to end poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while leaving no one behind.

The secretary-general also commended the SDG Advocacy Group for its excellent work in presentation, which he hopes will "inspire and serve as a model for similar presentations in the future."

In January, Ban announced the appointment of this group of eminent persons to assist in the global efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, by adding powerful voices to spur action. Endi