25 September 2018: Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate and UN Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressed the Heads of State and Government gathered for the 73rd UN General Assembly, highlighting the promises made through the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, and presented a video about the Global Goals’ achievements to date and challenges that remain.

The ‘SDG Moment’ took place just before the opening of the 73rd general debate, on 25 September 2018 in the UNGA Hall of UN Headquarters, New York, US. Gbowee said the Global Goals are a promise to end global poverty by 2030, build a life of dignity for all, and leave no one behind. She added that this Agenda “carries the dream” of the late former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to a new generation. A video showed Annan remarking, “I remain convinced that the only answer to this divided world must be a truly ‘united nations.’” He also said, “Each of us must share the pain of all who suffer and the joy of all who hope.” The video closed with Annan saying, “I yield my place to others with a real obstinate feeling – an obstinate feeling of hope for our common future.”

In order to leave no one behind, no Goal can be left behind.

Gbowee then introduced a short film on the SDGs. The film highlights agreements reached and commitments made since the Goals’ adoption in 2015, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the US$112 billion pledge to the Global Partnership for Education. It also notes that the UN is making “historic reforms” to a new system that will enable country teams to deliver and report on results in line with national priorities.

Finally, the film emphasizes that “every year counts,” 2019 will feature a global review of the Agenda, and 2020 will mark ten years left to achieve the Global Goals. “In order to leave no one behind, no Goal can be left behind,” the film concludes. [SDG Knowledge Hub sources] [SDG Advocates webpage]