UN deputy chief calls for brokering new generation of partnerships

UNITED NATIONS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed said Wednesday that efforts must be made to continue brokering a new generation of partnerships in order to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

"We are now three years into the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and expectations are high, as they should be," the UN deputy chief said at the 2018 ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council) Partnership Forum, noting that "in order to deliver on this ambitious agenda, the United Nations must continue brokering a new generation of partnerships."

"Business as usual approaches won't work. We need action, and bold action, to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable future that leaves no one behind," she said.

The UN deputy chief shared a quick snapshot of the world with the meeting participants by saying that in today's world, more than 8 percent of the world's people live in poverty, 192 million people are unemployed, more than 300 million workers live in poverty, young people are three times more likely to be jobless, and billions of people lack the tools and access to connect and participate in "the digital and globally connected world."

"Women continue to systematically face obstacles in the workplace. And the global gender pay gap is 23 percent," she added.

"Gender based violence and discrimination continue to hold back women's rightful place and voice and place in governments, private sector, academia and the home," she noted.

Mohammed called for efforts to be made to "work together to reduce inequalities, end discrimination, empower people and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all."

Speaking of partnership in this regard, she noted that "it will take major investments to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). The Addis Ababa Action Agenda shows the way, but governments alone cannot meet these unprecedented needs."

"The private sector is an indispensable partner," she noted.

"We not only need partnerships with the private sector to pursue common goals, but we count on the private sector to align their business models with the 2030 Agenda," the UN deputy chief pointed out.

"Better engagement with the private sector requires an enabling policy environment and dialogue mechanisms that encourage firms to do business in a way that works for global good, and for the bottom line," she said.

"We call on the business sector to innovate market-based solutions that drive inclusion and provide opportunities for women, young people and vulnerable groups," said the Deputy Secretary-General.

Referring to the UN role, Mohammed said that "as a critical part of the reform of the UN development system, we are looking into a stronger UN institutional response and system-wide approach to partnerships for the 2030 Agenda."

"The UN development system has a unique convening power that can help countries broker the diverse partnerships needed," she noted.

As for the role of the member states, she said that "we need member states to be engaged and informed so that they can encourage companies to improve their reporting and align their businesses with the priorities of national governments."

"Governments have an important role to support, incentivize and nurture business to make this transition," said Mohammed. Enditem