[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
Distinguished delegates,<\/p>\n
I am delighted to speak at the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2022, the key regional platform for follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.<\/p>\n
This year’s Summit takes place at a critical juncture \u2013 from the climate crisis to COVID-19, and to the unfolding of a military conflict that threatens global peace and stability, our world is mired in anxiety and uncertainty. Uncertainty that casts a long shadow on the achievement of the SDGs by its deadline of 2030.<\/p>\n
Excellencies, we know that there can be no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development.<\/p>\n
It is thus imperative that we bring peace, security, and stability to the people of the world, and that we invest in a recovery that builds back better, builds back stronger, builds back greener and bluer.<\/p>\n
This requires not only equitable access to vaccines, adequate financing, and reinvigorating global trade, but also investing in education, protecting the planet, and promoting gender equality and partnerships \u2013 the SDG goals under review in this year’s Arab Forum for Sustainable Development, and the 2022 High Level Political Forum (HLPF).<\/p>\n
Colleagues,<\/p>\n
Education is a key enabler of all SDGs, an important driver for economic recovery and social cohesion.<\/p>\n
Statistics, on education, however, are daunting. At the peak of the pandemic, 1.6 billion students were affected by school closures, deepening the existing learning crisis and inequality. With the COVID-19 crisis, the world is off-track in achieving SDG4 and its targets.<\/p>\n
Immediate and targeted action is needed to transform education to support the societal transformation required. What has become apparent, also, is the need to invest in enhancing digital capacity to deliver quality education.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
The pandemic has also affected the achievement of SDG 5 on gender equality. The impact of COVID-19 on women and girls worldwide has been profound and disturbing.<\/p>\n
The increased cases of domestic violence, abuse, exclusion, and mental health issues in a pandemic context are exacerbated by discriminatory laws and legal practices, biased social and cultural norms, and entrenched structural barriers to gender equality.<\/p>\n
We must invest in women and girls’ access to health services and education to ensure their full and meaningful participation towards achieving the SDGs.<\/p>\n
Gender equality is not just a goal in itself \u2013 but a cross cutting priority across all the goals. We cannot achieve the future we want, without half of our population.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dear Friends,<\/p>\n
The ocean plays a fundamental role in our efforts to address climate change, boost economic growth and contribute to people’s health and well-being.<\/p>\n
Achieving SDG14 would require concrete actions in areas ranging from pollution and habitat destruction, to overfishing and the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
To mobilize action, the 2022 UN Conference on the Ocean, among other intergovernmental meetings, will seek to propel much-needed, science-based solutions to start a new chapter of global ocean action.<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
The world has fallen short of its 2020 targets to halt biodiversity loss. We must preserve and protect those on land to ensure healthier biodiversity. This means committing to an ambitious post 2020 global biodiversity framework. There is no other way, but to adopt ambition!<\/p>\n
Excellencies,<\/p>\n
During the 76th Session, a series of high-level events on nature will take place, allowing us to take meaningful actions on the environment. The just-concluded United Nations Environment Assembly 5.2, which initiated a landmark resolution to end plastic pollution, is one of those events.<\/p>\n
In the coming months, we will also have the Stockholm+50 conference; the COP15 for Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought; and the aforementioned COP15 for Biological Diversity and the Ocean Conference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We must strengthen coordination and synergy among all these events going forward, linking them, at the same time, to the more publicized climate COP, which has become a global rallying cry for environment.<\/p>\n
And in July, I intend to do my part and convene a high-level “Moment for Nature” to discuss how to leverage the outcomes of these events and to accelerate concrete actions on protecting the planet.<\/p>\n
Dear Friends,<\/p>\n
Global cooperation and unity are needed, now more than ever, on the pandemic and climate change to avoid the risk of losing hard-won development gains.<\/p>\n
The SDGs cannot be realized without strong partnerships at local, national, regional, and global levels. I welcome a stronger partnership between the UN Country Teams, various UN agencies and host governments, on pandemic recovery and climate action, and on realizing the development agenda.<\/p>\n
I remain committed to working with Member States and stakeholders to pursue innovative solutions and transformative partnerships in implementing the SDGs.<\/p>\n
With stronger political will and collaborative action, we are ready to deliver results for people, for the planet, and for prosperity.<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development (AFSD) 2022: Recovery and Resilience<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":353,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
Excellencies, colleagues,<\/p>
I welcome you all to our second meeting and our first interaction following the resumed part of the session.<\/p>
Before I begin, I would like to recognize the loss of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Ms. Gail Farngalo.<\/p>
A Liberian national, Gail was my Team Leader for Human Rights and was active on gender during both the 75th<\/sup> and 76th<\/sup> sessions. She leaves behind a legacy of achievements and a groundswell of respect and affection from across the UN and diplomatic communities. Her presence is certainly felt here today.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> When I took on this Presidency of Hope, I pledged to make gender equality a priority area for the 76th<\/sup> session. I continue to look to the board for its wisdom and expertise, as I endeavour to fulfil that pledge.<\/p> In this regard, I have already benefited from the board\u2019s advice, from when we met on October 28th<\/sup> last year.<\/p> Acting on that advice, I committed to ensuring that all my five rays of hope, and all my major initiatives, are approached with a gender lens.<\/p> I made sure that the composition of my office is gender-balanced.<\/p> I have committed to participating only in panels that have equal gender representation.<\/p> Throughout my official interactions and travels, I have endeavoured to meet with women, including heads of states and governments, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth.<\/p> And I am proud to inform you that five young women have been recruited into the Fellowship for HOPE<\/em> that my office recently launched. The Fellowship as you are well aware is targeted at benefiting young diplomats from underrepresented countries, pursuing careers in diplomacy or public service.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> While recognizing that we have a long way to go in the battle for gender-equality, I am proud of what my team has been able to accomplish within the past few months.<\/p> Our work continues.<\/p> We will continue to raise our voices on issues disproportionately impacting women, such as domestic violence and work place harassment. We will continue to push the importance of gender-equal work spaces.<\/p> And we will continue to find new paths to empower young women with ambitious professional aspirations.<\/p> Now is not the time to rest on our laurels.<\/p> With the board\u2019s guidance and support, we must use the many opportunities over the coming months to further empower women and girls, and dismantle discriminatory practices against them.<\/p> There are several upcoming events that will provide us such opportunities. I look forward to the board\u2019s suggestions on how we can best utilize them.<\/p> As an example, the International Day of Women and Girls in science is fast approaching. We must recognize that women\u2019s contributions in science and technology have helped us cure diseases; discover new horizons in space; and develop technologies that have vastly improved our quality of life.<\/p> As we celebrate their achievements, we must also open pathways for young girls who aspire to follow in the footsteps of pioneers in science and technology.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Let us also reflect that the theme chosen by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for this year is on \u201cachieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes\u201d.<\/p> As we strive to meet our obligations to the planet, let us recognize the important work done by women and girls at the forefront of the climate crisis, and whose humanitarian work in disaster-stricken areas has helped save lives and rebuild communities. We owe it to them to not only celebrate their work but to support them.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> Our programme of work for the months ahead has been circulated to members prior to the meeting, for consideration and feedback. Please note that the events we have planned are not exhaustive. I welcome further suggestions from the board on the content and format of future events and activities.<\/p> Colleagues,<\/p> We have made much progress within a short while. And with the board\u2019s support and guidance, I am sure that we can keep up this strong momentum.<\/p> I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our vision of a gender-equal world.<\/p> Thank you.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[806,550,505,556,553],"committee-meeting":[],"class_list":["post-261221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-speeches","tag-csw","tag-ga","tag-gender","tag-pga","tag-shahid","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n