United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
September 18, 2023
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Adoption of a Political Declaration on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Today, the United States joined a United Nations summit to adopt a historic political declaration on the Sustainable Development Goals. This is an important step, but it must be followed by accelerated action. All Member States must continue to drive progress forward. The world’s most vulnerable are counting on us, and we must leave no one behind.
While major challenges lie ahead, we cannot let realism be an excuse for cynicism. It is within our power to end hunger and tackle the climate crisis, to break the cycle of poverty and strengthen public health systems, to root out gender inequality and defend human rights, and to advance all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Progress requires partnership and collective action. The adoption of today’s political declaration is progress, but more must be done. Let us come together – this week and in the months and years ahead – to fight for achieving the SDGs and a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.
