Amina Mohammed, the deputy secretary-general of the UN, stated on Thursday that the only path to lasting peace is via sustainable development.
The path to enduring peace, to the peace that withstands the crises of our time, is the only one, she stressed. Mohammed spoke during a UN Security Council open discussion on investing in people to increase resilience against complex issues as a path to sustainable development.
What is sustainable development?
The goal of sustainable development is to satisfy current needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs.
It is based on three pillars: economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
This means that sustainable development aims to promote economic growth and prosperity while also addressing social and environmental issues, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
It belongs to all
Mohammed also said it is crucial in and of itself to pursue inclusive, sustainable development that leaves no one behind. It is also the best means of prevention for humanity. According to her, it is the only trustworthy tool that can end cycles of instability and address the fundamental causes of fragility and humanitarian needs.
Investing in people to increase resilience against complex issues connected to sustainable development means investing in programs and initiatives that promote human development and well-being. This can include things like education, healthcare, and job training programs.
By investing in these areas, individuals and communities are better equipped to adapt to and cope with the challenges and changes associated with sustainable development, such as economic instability, climate change, and social inequality. In addition, investing in people can also help to promote social inclusion and equity, which are important components of sustainable development.
UN warns: Recent investments have fallen far short
Investments in shared wealth, human security, and development all contribute to world peace. However, the deputy UN head warned that recent investments had fallen far short.
More than 200 million additional individuals have slipped into poverty since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 820 million extra people suffer from hunger. More women and girls are having their rights violated, Mohammed stressed, as society silences them in public and restricts them in private.
Sustainable development in developing countries fails
Deputy UN chief continued that with the exception of a small elite, economies in developing countries are failing to provide for the vast majority of their inhabitants.
These difficulties go beyond development-related problems. They are a menace to harmonious coexistence since grievances are fueled by development deficiencies, she added. Also, they deteriorate organizations. They enable the growth of animosity and intolerance. Mohammed’s opinion is that we cannot ensure future peace if we do not address the needs of modern development.
The ecosystem is not the only thing that is at risk from the triple global catastrophe of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. She cautioned that it also poses a threat to unleash divisive forces that tear societies apart, undermine social cohesiveness, and spark instability.