Magazine : 
UN Chief Hails Approval of Draft 2030 Development Agenda
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that General Assembly's approval of the draft 2030 sustainable development agenda has brought the international community to the cusp of decisions that can help realise the dream of a world of peace and dignity for all.
The UN General Assembly yesterday approved the resolution sending the draft '2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development' to member states for adoption later this month.
"Today is the start of a new era. We have travelled a long way together to reach this turning point," Ban said recounting the path the international community has taken over the 15 years since the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals towards crafting a set of new post-2015 sustainability goals.
With world leaders expected to adopt the text at a September 25-27 summit here, the UN chief said, "Agenda 2030 aims high, seeking to put people at the centre of development; foster human well-being, prosperity, peace and justice on a healthy planet and pursue respect for the human rights of all people and gender equality."
"It speaks to all people in all countries, and calls for action from everyone everywhere. It aims to inspire and create genuine partnerships among all countries and actors," Ban said.
He emphasised that the Agenda prioritises the vulnerable and marginalised, vowing to leave no one behind, marking a paradigm shift that would complete the unfinished business of the MDGs and lift the level of ambition and tackle emerging issues and challenges.
