UN Chief: 2nd Social Development Summit "revives hopes" for joint action

DOHA, Nov 4 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres affirmed on Tuesday the Second World Summit for Social Development, from November 4 to 6, "revived hopes" for joint global action.
This came in Guterres' speech to the summit, which was inaugurated in Doha by the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, is taking part in the event.
Guterres affirmed that poverty, displacement, and unemployment remain obstacles for people around the world, saying that it was important to support developing and underdeveloped countries to avoid major catastrophes.
He asserted that the pace to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (DSGs) was still underwhelming, hoping that the Doha Political Declaration would provide a strong push for development.
To translate plans into action, it was necessary to boost efforts to eradicate poverty, promote equality, and provide chances for employment, said Guterres, affirming that such plans must bear in mind the collective interest of all people.
He noted that plans for people must address the fact that around 700 million individuals are suffering from poverty, adding that it was unacceptable for millions to suffer from hunger and die from disease that could be treated.
The UN Chief was also appalled that four million people did not have any type of social security, indicating that investing in solutions and strategies to face such woes was paramount and important.
He affirmed that healthcare should be provided to all people without discrimination and said that affordable housing was also a right for all.
Guterres called on governments and leaders to participate in the upcoming 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Brazil, indicating that viable plans must be submitted to reduce carbon emissions and save the planets.
Countries must agree on a roadmap to raise USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to fund climate action in developing states, he said, calling on developed countries to increase funding by no less than USD 40 billion this year.
The UN Chief called on governments and the private sector to unite efforts to ensure employment, fair wages, and transportation for laborers.
Training and developing skills of staff was also essential, he asserted, calling on leaders to set plans for humanity and uniting people without discrimination. (pickup previous) sss.gta