Day Two UN General Assembly Update: Halfway Mark and Urgent Concerns
Georgienne Bradley
September 19, 2023
As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) gathers for its annual meeting, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These conferences serve as a critical opportunity to assess our progress toward the 2030 targets set by the UN. Here’s a brief overview of the first day and a half of the UNGA and the pressing issues at hand.
SDGs: A Progress Report
Our journey toward achieving the SDGs has reached a critical point. The latest progress report reveals that only 15% of SDG targets are on track to meet the ambitious 2030 goals. Particularly concerning is SDG #14, “Life Below Water,” which has actually worsened since its inception. This grim reality underscores a persistent issue: inadequate funding. SDG #14 receives significantly less financial support compared to other UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a priority of Sea Save Foundation as we have participated in the UN Ocean Conferences for more than a decade. We are proud of our accomplishments, but this report underscores the fact that we must double down on our efforts,
Half-Time at the UNGA
This year’s UNGA is often referred to as “half time,” marking the midpoint of our collective efforts to achieve the SDGs. The question on everyone’s mind is whether we can rally together and double down on our commitment to these goals. Alarmingly, our oceans are facing an exponential decline, and our conservation efforts appear to be losing ground.
High Seas Treaty: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Sea Save Foundation has been tirelessly working to advance the High Seas Treaty. In June it was adopted by consensus, and there’s a significant possibility that it may be voted into action during this General Assembly. This treaty is vital for protecting and preserving the high seas, representing a critical part of our global ecosystem. It will provide a framework for the sustainable management and conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Reasons to support the High Seas Treaty:
- Biodiversity Protection: The High Seas Treaty will help safeguard the incredible biodiversity found in international waters, including endangered species and unique ecosystems.
- Sustainable Resource Management: It establishes guidelines for the responsible management of marine resources, ensuring their long-term availability.
- Climate Mitigation: The treaty will contribute to climate change mitigation by protecting the vital role of the oceans in carbon sequestration.
- Global Cooperation: It promotes international cooperation and the establishment of marine protected areas, fostering collaborative efforts to address shared challenges.
President Biden’s Address to the International Community
President Joseph Biden delivered a stirring 28-minute speech that resonated with the global audience during the United Nations General Assembly. His address touched upon several critical points that underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to address global challenges.
Here are some key highlights:
- Reaffirming Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): President Biden emphasized the significance of the SDGs and their ideals, highlighting that the future of nations is intricately bound together. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to these goals in his speech.
- Rejoining UNESCO: The United States has officially rejoined UNESCO, signaling a renewed dedication to international cooperation in education, science, and culture.
- Prioritizing Education and Health: President Biden set education and health as key priorities in the global agenda, emphasizing the need for equitable access to quality education and healthcare worldwide.
- Atlantic Coastal Cooperation: The President announced the formation of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperation, a significant alliance focused on science, technology, and environmental protection in the Atlantic Ocean. The full declaration of this Alliance can be accessed HERE.
- Climate Crisis Warning: President Biden did not shy away from addressing the accelerating climate crisis, pointing to heat waves, wildfires, droughts, and flooding as clear indicators of the challenges we face. He emphasized, “This is an indication of what awaits us if we fail to reduce dependence on fossil fuel.”
- Climate Finance Commitment: President Biden expressed optimism that this year, the world is on track to meet the financial Climate Pledge made under the Paris Agreement. The United States has dedicated $100 billion to this effort, with an additional $100 billion pledged by private U.S. sources.
In closing, President Biden left the global audience with a powerful message: “Let’s bend the arch of history for the good of the world because it is in our power to do it.” His words serve as a call to action, urging nations to unite and work collectively towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
For the full video of President Biden’s speech, please click HERE.
