The UN chief asked Prime Minister, Erna Solberg of Høyre (H), to continue to lead the UN’s work on poverty, climate change, and inequality.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced on Thursday evening that Solberg will lead the work to fulfill the UN’s 17 sustainability goals in the future.
The Norwegian head of government has already had the top job since January 2016 and will from now on lead the work together with Ghana’s President. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“I am grateful for the renewed confidence of the UN Secretary General to continue the work of creating awareness and commitment to the sustainability goals” said Solberg.
‘’We know that efforts to achieve the sustainability goals depend on all countries’ efforts, both nationally and internationally. Sustainable development requires all sectors of society to be involved. Authorities, business, civil society, academia and each of us are partners in the sustainability campaign’’ said the Prime Minister.
New top names
Although top names such as Argentine football hero, Lionel
Messi, pop star Shakira, Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, and Swedish Crown Princess Victoria disappear as driving forces, there will not be any shortage of famous names in the future.
China’s most famous entrepreneur, Jack Ma, of the company Alibaba, joins the effort along with Brazilian football player, Marta Vieira da Silva, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and actor Forest Whitaker from the United States.
‘’I am happy to have a good team with me that will contribute to renewed strength in the efforts to achieve the sustainability goals’’ said Solberg.
Eradicate poverty
The sustainability goals are described as the world’s common work plan to eradicate poverty, combat inequality, and stop Human made climate change by 2030.
The goals were adopted by 193 Heads of State in the UN General Assembly in the autumn of 2015. The process follows up the Millennium Development Goals, which were the guideline for the UN’s work after the year 2000.
Several of the sustainability goals are about eradicating poverty and hunger and ensuring good health and education, clean water, and good sanitation.
Another group of goals are about reduced inequality and better equality efforts. At the same time, clean energy, sustainable cities, life in the sea and the fight against climate change have come in as targets for nature and the environment.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
