UN deputy chief calls for universal sustainable development goals for post-2015 era

UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson on Monday highlighted the need for new sustainable development goals which are universal, people-centered and cross- cutting at the ECOSOC commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the World Summit for Social Development.

"I am honored to join you today at this commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the World Summit for Social Development. Today 's event gives us an opportunity for reflection on progress and experiences to date, as well as on remaining challenges and the road ahead," said Eliasson.

Held in March 1995 in Copenhagen, the World Summit for Social Development was the largest gathering ever of world leaders at that time.

At the summit, "the member states pledged to make the conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of social integration the overriding objectives of development," said Eliasson.

Progress, indeed, has been made.

"A smaller proportion of the world's population now live in extreme poverty than 15 years ago. More people live longer and healthier lives. We have seen important advances in health and education," said Eliasson.

Yet, more than a billion people still live in extreme poverty. Inequality tends to be systemic and is in many cases widening to an alarming degree, said Eliasson.

Unemployment remains high. Globally, as many as 73 million young people are looking for jobs. Many more are trapped in jobs where they are objects of exploitation, according to him.

As for social integration, the principle and practice of social integration -- the peaceful coexistence of cultures and communities -- are increasingly under threat in today's world, said Eliasson.

Delegates at the summit 20 years ago affirmed that poverty eradication, full employment and social integration were closely interlinked. This rings even more relevant and true in today's world.

"That is why we need a set of new sustainable development goals which are universal, people-centered and cross-cutting in nature," said Eliasson.

This year marks the end of the 15-year span of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The post-2015 development agenda, also known as Sustainable Development Goals, will be a very important one for the humanity, targeting by 2030 -- another 15 years. Also in 2015, a climate change deal is expected to be reached in Paris in December.

"We are embarking on a voyage of transformative change affecting all sectors of our societies. This change must be built on universality, sustainability and acceptance of interdependence as a win-win proposition for both nations and people," said Eliasson.

"Today, as we strengthen and reinforce our combined commitment to achieve a life of dignity for all, let us use the lessons of the past to ensure a better future for all. No one must be left behind on our common voyage," he said. Endite