17 Sep 2023

As the world reaches the midpoint of the United Nations Sustainable Goals (SDGs) implemented by the global community from 2015 to 2030, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will today address the SDGs Summit convened by the UN at its Headquarters in New York City, United States of America (USA). 

Kick-starting the high level week of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78), the SDG Summit takes place on today and tommorrow, affording President Masisi the occasion to engage with world leaders and UN structures on the multiple developmental facets of the SDGs. 

Dr Masisi is due to address this seminal global gathering in his capacity as the Global Chair of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), made up of 32 developing states from across the world that lack direct territorial access to the sea. 

According to the UN, the SDG Summit will see global leaders engage in a comprehensive review of all the 17 SDGs, in order to respond to the crises facing the world and , the plan of action accompanying the SDGs. Climate change induced natural disasters; lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy; international conflict including the Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on global food and fuel prices; as well as economic challenges stemming from a combination of such factors, are some of the areas of concern for both the SDG Summit and UNGA 78. 

President Masisi has previously accentuated the use of innovation and technology in finding solutions to global challenges.

He is anticipated to continue prompting the world to leverage the use of research as well as information and communication technology to assist in mobilising finance and investment to accelerate progress towards attaining the SDGs. 

The General Assembly, the highest decision making and most representative organ of the UN, gathers all 193 UN member states led by their heads of state and government or their delegated representatives. UNGA 78 will meet under the theme “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Acceleration Action on the 2030 Agenda and it's SDGs Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Sustainability for All.”ENDS