By Sadiya Hamza
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on Thursday
urged faith leaders, to use their `enormous influence' as bridge-builders,
proponents of the universal values that connect all faiths and traditions to
speak out against hatred.
Ban made the call in a
message to a High-Level Event entitled "Meeting the Moral imperaative to
End Extreme Poverty," delivered by Mr Thomas Gass, Assistant
Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-agency Affairs, Department
of Economic and Social Affairs.
The UN chief said that at
a time of rising extremism and discrimination against migrants and refugees,
their role of those who speak against hatred, was more important than ever.
``Without exception our
faiths call on us to reduce inequality and reach out to those who are furthest
behind.
``The 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development pledges to do just that.
``Your engagement and
support will be crucial.
``I look forward to
continuing our partnership as we strive to meet the crucial test of
implementing this new agenda,'' he said.
He thanked the
co-sponsors of the event, including the World Bank Group and the UN
Inter-Agency Task Force on Engaging with Faith-Based Organizations for
Sustainable Development, for bringing people together in this way.
``You meet as Muslims
across the world commemorate the Eid al-Adha, Jews have just observed Yom
Kippur and people of all traditions eagerly await tomorrow’s appearance of His
Holiness Pope Francis in the United Nations General Assembly.
``I offer best wishes to
all in this season of contemplation and celebration.
``There are moments in
history when our humanity fills us with hope and courage; when our common
understanding of the challenges we face is matched by an even stronger
determination to overcome;
``when we discover our
common spirituality and values, and build a shared vision of where the future
must lead. Today we are at such a moment today and we must seize it,'' he said.
Friday, Ban said, marks
the formal adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He said:``building on the
remarkable gains made over the past 15 years under the framework of the
Millennium Development Goals, the new set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals
will guide us in finishing the job while working more deeply and broadly
towards a future of dignity for all.
``The new agenda is
comprehensive, reflecting the complexity of today’s world.
``It is integrated,
taking into account the links among the economic, social and environmental
dimensions of sustainable development.
``It is rooted in human
rights, and with its connections to justice, institutions, inclusiveness and
resilience, the agenda can help to prevent conflict and instability.'' (NAN)
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