Clock is ticking: UN SDG Action Weekend Calls for New Steps

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Sept. 16-17 held the “SDG Action Weekend” at the UN Headquarters in New York to deliberate on the necessary steps toward realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set to be achieved by 2030.

This event, featuring the participation of Dr. Mehmet Duman, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the World Academy of Local Government and Democracy Foundation (WALD), brought together global leaders, senior officials, and representatives from both public and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, delivering the opening address, underscored the growing urgency of attaining the SDGs within the stipulated timeframe. He emphasized that success in achieving these goals hinges not solely on national endeavors but also on international collaboration. Guterres also acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SDG progress and called upon world leaders to intensify their efforts in surmounting the resulting challenges.

Throughout the gathering, participants reviewed the advancement of the SDGs and introduced fresh policy recommendations and solutions geared toward their attainment. The discussions encompassed critical issues such as combatting climate change, gender equality, and hunger eradication, with a shared focus on discovering more effective global problem-solving strategies.

At the conclusion of the SDG Action Weekend, world leaders reaffirmed their dedication to the SDGs and emphasized the potency of global cooperation in forging a brighter future.