TEDxJohannesburg reposted this
United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa. Recently served as chief of staff, senior strategist, and principal adviser to the Deputy Secretary-General (EOSG). Sustainability leader and changemaker.
On 18 July 2024 #NelsonMandelaDay we were inspired by the theme, 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,' to organize a #17GlobalGoals change makers event with TEDxJohannesburg and Nelson Mandela Foundation which showcased the importance of taking collective and individual action to end poverty and inequality as we safeguard the planet. #SummitOfTheFuture Imagine a world where every child, regardless of where they are born, has access to quality education, nutritious food, good shelter and health, proper rights, clean water, and a healthy environment. Picture a planet where economic growth does not come at the expense of our natural resources and where prosperity is shared by all. This is NOT a far-fetched dream but a tangible reality that must be achieved through the Sustainable Development Goals [17 Global Goals]. They are designed to address the most pressing challenges of our time, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace, and justice. Unlike the Millennium Development Goals that preceded them, the Global Goals encompass a broader, more integrated approach and requires collaborative action. The SDGs recognise that our social, economic, and environmental present and future is inextricably linked. When the MDGs were nearing their end, it was clear we needed a new, more comprehensive framework. The years that followed was the navigation of a complex and often challenging process, bringing together diverse global stakeholders—governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals from all over the world. This arduous journey included negotiations, data synthesis, and extensive consultations. But it was all par for the course to ensure that the SDGs reflected the realities and aspirations of all of the worlds people. As I have alluded to already, implementing the SDGs requires concerted and coordinated action at all levels: local, national, and global. It demands innovative policies, inclusive partnerships, and a commitment to sustainable practices. In South Africa, it means addressing deep-seated inequalities, enhancing economic opportunities, and ensuring sustainable use of our natural resources. My role has evolved from shaping the SDGs, helping them get adopted, and embedding them into the global consciousness, to now ensuring their effective implementation at country level. As our beloved #Madiba reminded us, "It is in our hands to make a difference." I thefroe ask: If not us, then who? And if not now, then when? The ethos of the SDGs aligns with Mandela's legacy and vision. It is precisely why we seek to amplify collective efforts, to course correct where we are off track, and to inspire collective action. I hope the 17 speakers inspire us all to spring into action to accelerate and amplify the progress of the SDGs in South Africa and around the world. As Madiba reminded us "It always seems impossible until it is done”.
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