Hong Kong
China
Deputy Secretary-General's video message to the Association of Pacific Rim Universities Annual Presidents' Meeting
Statements | Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General
Statements | Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General
I am honored to address the annual meeting of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. Your meeting arrives at a moment of truth — the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
Unfortunately, recent research and analysis show that our progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — our roadmap to a better future for all — is in deep trouble.
Our planet is at a tipping point, with humanity's negative impact reaching unprecedented levels. Climate change, environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources threaten the delicate balance of Earth's ecosystems. The consequences of these actions are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also exacerbating poverty, inequality, and conflicts.
Only about 12 per cent of the goals are on track. Close to half are moderately or severely off track.
And some 30 per cent have seen no movement or regressed below the 2015 baseline.
In the area of education, for example, the impacts of years of underinvestment and learning losses — including from the COVID-19 pandemic — have been devastating.
By 2030, some 84 million children will be out of school and some 300 million children and young people will be unable to read and write.
As University leaders, you can help turn this around and make the SDGs a reality using your knowledge, resources, and influence.
This includes integrating the SDGs into university curricula and offering interdisciplinary courses and research opportunities on sustainable development.
Universities can equip their students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become change-makers.
In turn, students — as future leaders — can advance the SDGs through their advocacy efforts and engagement and by aligning their academic pursuits with sustainable development principles.
We need the energy, creativity, and commitment of young people more than ever.
At every step, the ºÚÁÏרÇø is here to support these efforts.
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative is a good example. It’s a partnership to highlight the critical role of higher education in achieving sustainable development and the SDGs.
The Academic Impact Initiative is another good example. Through teaching, research and community engagement, this vibrant and diverse network of over 1,600 member universities and colleagues in more than 150 countries are working towards the implementation and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
I strongly encourage the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and its members to join and collaborate with these networks.
Events like this provide a unique opportunity to highlight the value of collaboration, inspire action, and forge connections to drive effective collaboration.
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities has a unique role to play in driving innovation and implementing solutions for a sustainable future. Let us harness the power of education, research, and collaboration to build a world that balances the needs of humanity with the protection of our planet.
Together, we can create a legacy of stewardship, leaving future generations with a planet that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Working hand in hand, we can achieve this vision.
Thank you.
Unfortunately, recent research and analysis show that our progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals — our roadmap to a better future for all — is in deep trouble.
Our planet is at a tipping point, with humanity's negative impact reaching unprecedented levels. Climate change, environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources threaten the delicate balance of Earth's ecosystems. The consequences of these actions are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also exacerbating poverty, inequality, and conflicts.
Only about 12 per cent of the goals are on track. Close to half are moderately or severely off track.
And some 30 per cent have seen no movement or regressed below the 2015 baseline.
In the area of education, for example, the impacts of years of underinvestment and learning losses — including from the COVID-19 pandemic — have been devastating.
By 2030, some 84 million children will be out of school and some 300 million children and young people will be unable to read and write.
As University leaders, you can help turn this around and make the SDGs a reality using your knowledge, resources, and influence.
This includes integrating the SDGs into university curricula and offering interdisciplinary courses and research opportunities on sustainable development.
Universities can equip their students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become change-makers.
In turn, students — as future leaders — can advance the SDGs through their advocacy efforts and engagement and by aligning their academic pursuits with sustainable development principles.
We need the energy, creativity, and commitment of young people more than ever.
At every step, the ºÚÁÏרÇø is here to support these efforts.
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative is a good example. It’s a partnership to highlight the critical role of higher education in achieving sustainable development and the SDGs.
The Academic Impact Initiative is another good example. Through teaching, research and community engagement, this vibrant and diverse network of over 1,600 member universities and colleagues in more than 150 countries are working towards the implementation and realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
I strongly encourage the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and its members to join and collaborate with these networks.
Events like this provide a unique opportunity to highlight the value of collaboration, inspire action, and forge connections to drive effective collaboration.
The Association of Pacific Rim Universities has a unique role to play in driving innovation and implementing solutions for a sustainable future. Let us harness the power of education, research, and collaboration to build a world that balances the needs of humanity with the protection of our planet.
Together, we can create a legacy of stewardship, leaving future generations with a planet that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Working hand in hand, we can achieve this vision.
Thank you.