The president of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yang, has called for collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

According to him, less than 18 per cent of the goals have been achieved, with only five years remaining to the 2030 deadline.

Mr Yang made the call in his address at the general debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. He said the annual high-level debate “remains one of the world’s most inclusive, represented, representative and authoritative platforms for global reflection of collective action.”

Emphasising the urgent need for collective action to address pressing global issues, Mr Yang highlighted the critical state of the SDGs. He also underscored the immediate threats the climate crisis poses, impacting ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide.

“The urgency of our task cannot be overstated,” he said, calling for a united front against the escalating climate emergency.

The Assembly President then turned to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan, urging immediate ceasefires and adherence to international humanitarian law.

He specifically called for an end to the violence between Hamas and Israel, advocating for the unconditional release of hostages and a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Mr Yang warned against the diversion of resources into military stockpiles, which he described as fueling an unprecedented arms race reminiscent of the Cold War.

He reiterated the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons, calling for urgent measures to abolish these instruments of destruction.

The UNGA president also stressed the importance of dialogue and trust among nations, noting that old prejudices and new divisions hinder peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

“Constant dialogue is a powerful weapon,” he asserted, emphasising that trust is essential for human dignity and lasting peace.

Mr Yang also addressed gender equality, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by women and girls worldwide who are denied basic rights and opportunities.

He condemned forced labour and modern slavery, calling for a global commitment to combat these injustices.

Mr Yang pointed to the urgent need for reform in the international financial system as many countries grapple with crippling debt. He noted the widening digital divide, which excludes entire populations from essential resources needed for success in the modern world.

Mr Yang reminded world leaders of their collective responsibility to shape a better future.

He referenced the recent Summit of the Future and the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which aims to reinvigorate multilateral institutions to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. 

(NAN)