rapidly changing science and technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
We expect transformation from this combination of these components. But so far, changes to bring about transformation have evolved much slower than challenges.<\/p>\n
We have less than 10 years to put on track key elements of a transformation.<\/p>\n
What happens within these 10 years, will have direct consequences on well-being, stability, and peace.<\/p>\n
Albert Einstein once said: \u201cThe measure of intelligence is the ability to change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recognizing this, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals offer a shared blueprint for\u00a0global<\/i>\u00a0transformation.<\/p>\n
But we are profoundly off track on reaching them.<\/p>\n
At the midpoint of our drive to the 2030 deadline, and at the level of 15-19 per cent of the implementation, we are lagging behind our schedule, and we are running out of time.<\/p>\n
To make things worse, in these cases we cannot measure the real price or validate the real impact of our actions.<\/p>\n
The problems we face in the future will be more extreme versions of those we are struggling with today.<\/p>\n
We know this because just last year, we exceeded the fifth planetary boundary: chemical pollution.<\/p>\n
We simply must reverse these trends.<\/p>\n
How do we shift gears?<\/p>\n
And how do we do so in this era of deep mistrust playing out across battlefields, airwaves and negotiation tables, from East to West, North to South?<\/p>\n
In the General Assembly, we are using science and data to recharge our ambition and validate what we do.<\/p>\n
The SDG Summit in September will be the pivotal moment to locate the gaps and drive a quantum leap in our efforts to fulfil the 2030 Agenda.<\/p>\n
It will have to be a non-conventional summit.<\/p>\n
The key challenge we have to face is credibility. To prove that the second half of the time allotted for the implementation of the SDGs would be more transformative than the first one.<\/p>\n
It is achievable if we understand the reasons for the slow progress.<\/p>\n
If we disclose what is missing from our approach and actions.<\/p>\n
If we are bold enough to identify, what should be changed or added.<\/p>\n
Indeed, we need high impact changes, or in other words, real game-changers.<\/p>\n
So, it is not enough for us to change gear \u2013 we have to change the game.<\/p>\n
We simply cannot afford the luxury to let this opportunity slip through our fingers.<\/p>\n
The achievement of SDG 3 (good health and well-being) is indivisible from the rest of our Goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn the General Assembly, three health-related processes are underway to bring results. All are connected.<\/p>\n
In September, the high-level meetings on Pandemic Preparation, Preparedness and Response, Universal Health Coverage and Tuberculosis will be our chances to strengthen political support for holistic action on health issues.<\/p>\n
We should make clear that investment in health is not throwing money into a pit: it is an investment in sustainable development.<\/p>\n
We have entered a new era. A new chapter of history.<\/p>\n
Facing unprecedented crises that require us to change our institutions, our systems, and our personal habits.<\/p>\n
The planet and our societies on it are being radically reshaped.<\/p>\n
We can still choose to be the masterminds, the architects of this transformation.<\/p>\n
Or we can meekly accept the other option: to become the victims of what befalls us.<\/p>\n
The choice is ours.<\/p>\n
And we should bear in mind the ancient wisdom of Lao Tsu: \u201cIf you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thank you very much.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Csaba\u00a0K\u0151r\u00f6si,\u00a0President of the 77th\u00a0session of the General Assembly —- 7th\u00a0Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health \u00a0 5 July 2023 (As delivered) Honorable Ministers, Regional Directors, Chair of Taskforce, Executive Secretary, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":361,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Csaba K\u0151r\u00f6si, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly\r\n\r\n----\r\n\r\nMessage on the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO)\r\n\r\n7 April 2023\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOn this World Health Day, I congratulate WHO on its 75th anniversary.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOver the course of its history, WHO has contributed to landmark achievements in public health, including the eradication of smallpox, the near eradication of polio and the expansion of childhood immunization, saving millions of lives.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMore recently, WHO has played a key role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and helped galvanise the most complex vaccination campaign in history. Time and again, WHO has proved that investing in science lies at the heart of reaching our objective of a healthy and prosperous future.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHowever, the pandemic has disrupted essential health services in most of the countries, shortened life expectancy, and halted progress towards universal health coverage.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHalfway through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must redouble our efforts to achieve its goals. \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAs we prepare for the upcoming high-level meetings on health in the General Assembly, let us seize this opportunity to reconfirm our collective pledges and chart new pathways for a healthy and sustainable future.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nOn this day and every day, let us commit to achieve Health for All.","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[642],"class_list":["post-254697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-statements","tag-pga-remarks-to-7th-ministerial-conference-on-environment-and-health","et-doesnt-have-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
PGA remarks to 7th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health - General Assembly of the United Nations<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n