4 February 2013: UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson has called for a post-2015 objective to “eradicate extreme poverty in our lifetime, promote equitable economic opportunity for all and protect the environment.” Eliasson was speaking at the UN Association of the US (UNA-USA) Members Day, in New York, US, on 4 February 2013.

In the area of development, he said the UN’s main focus is on accelerating achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but that upon reaching their 2015 deadline, the framework must also address climate, energy and urbanization. Eliasson said that respect for human rights and the rule of law are required in order to achieve the goals of poverty eradication, environmental protection, and economic opportunity. Eliasson also echoed the recent statement of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, saying international cooperation should be seen as being in the national interest. [Statement of Deputy UNSG] [UN Press Release] [IISR RS Story on UNSG Priorities for 2013]