Action 2015 is the mobilization of citizens of the world, organisations and diverse social units, by the United Nations, aimed at creating greater awareness of the mot urgent threats faced by humanity; poverty, inequality and climate change.
It hinges on the philosophy that decisions taken in 2015 will determine the world's future, and if each unit of individuals and groups contribute definitive action towards achieving the world's developmental goals, their collective influence will shape decision-making critical for the success of those goals.
In his address, the UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon told Nigerian Governors the need to work together to establish a revitalized global partnership for development.
Read excerpts below:
“I am so pleased to begin my visit to Nigeria with you – and it is
fitting that I do so. I strongly believe a more prosperous, democratic
and secure Nigeria begins with you.
I would like to thank the Governor of Kaduna State for hosting this
opportunity to discuss your aspirations for change in Nigeria.
Governors play a fundamental role in the future of this country, the
region, the continent – and, indeed, our world. You are among the
closest to the people.
You understand their challenges and aspirations. You have the resources
and the power to help the people of Nigeria realize the tremendous
promise of this great country – on education, on health care, on women’s
empowerment, on climate change, on governance, institution-building,
security and on rights across the board.
I am here to listen and support you.
Nigeria occupies a central place in the family of nations. As I visit,
Nigeria also happens to be serving as President of the Security Council
for the month of August. This is yet another reminder of the weight of
the regional and global responsibilities you bear.
I am here at a time of challenge – in Nigeria and beyond. Across our
world, we see insecurity, inequality, growing divides. Here in Nigeria,
you know the challenges all too well – including the rise of extremism
and the lack of equal opportunity. I know this is a deep and vital
challenge in particular for the Governors of the Northeast, including
Borno State, and I commend the work and leadership of Governor Kashim
Shettima who is with us. Allow me to also take the opportunity to
express my sincere condolences on the passing of the Deputy Governor of
Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.
This is also a time of hope. I want to commend you and all of Nigeria’s
leaders for the peaceful democratic transition of power. Nigeria sent
an important signal of hope throughout the continent.
This is also a moment of hope for the world, particularly in the field of development.
Last month, UN Member States met in Addis Ababa and agreed on a new
financing for development plan: the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Earlier this month, Member States reached agreement on the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development. A proud daughter of Nigeria helped
shepherd this agreement to its inspiring conclusion — my special
Advisor, Assistant Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
The outcome document – “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development – includes a bold new set of 17 goals – will be
formally adopted by world leaders in New York in September.
In December, governments will meet in Paris to agree on a new far-reaching climate change agreement.
Together these three processes provide an opportunity to put the world
on a sustainable pathway fostering human prosperity while protecting our
planet.
Local governments have an important role to play in the implementation
of the SDGs. Nigeria demonstrated this through its efforts on the MDGs
through the Federal Government Conditonal Grants program to States and
local governments.
Let me point to five essential ways that you can build on your advances and sustain that momentum.
First, the universal framework will have to be tailored to national
circumstances to live up to its promise to be an agenda “of the people,
for the people, and by the people” that leaves no one behind.
Sub-national and local governments will play a major role in the
national tailoring process and in ensuring that this process is
participatory and inclusive.
Second, we need to work together to establish a revitalized global
partnership for development. Each of you is crucial for engaging local
civil society organizations and the private sector in the implementation
of the goals at local level.
Third, in a world of rising inequalities, sub-national and local
governments can help ensure that the limited available funds are
targeted at the most vulnerable and marginalized who are often hard to
reach, in particular ensuring health, education, empowerment and
equality for women and girls.
That leads to my fourth point – institutionalizing gender mainstreaming
across all government ministries and bodies responsible for implementing
agenda 2030, with effective means of implementation and capacities for
monitoring progress.
I encourage you to implement national action plans and legislation on
gender equality and take steps to enhance the political and judicial
participation and representation of women at all levels.
Fifth, you can support the follow-up and review process by feeding
inputs directly into the review and by helping to ensure the quality of
data by investing in institutions and using big data to inform better
planning and decision making.
Accurate data will also allow us to better respond to new and unforeseen challenges.
Honorable Governors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a crucial moment for Nigeria. You face many serious challenges,
but you have also taken a hugely important step to move forward in a
way that can respond to the aspirations of the country’s people.
I am eager to hear your views on how you think you can best achieve this
universal and ambitious agenda. The United Nations stands ready to
fully support you.”
