The fight against poverty is one of the greatest challenges of all time. The decline of global extreme poverty continues, but has slowed. Still, nearly half of the world’s population lives in poverty. Lack of food and no access to clean water or sanitation is killing thousands every single day. Too many children have no access to education. Eradicating poverty is the key to unlocking an enormous human potential. Together, we can participate in actions leading to  fair and equitable societies.

Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each human being to contribute to a more sustainable world, to fight against stereotypes and to be equipped with the skills and values ​​needed to act as informed and critical citizens of the global community. Learning benefits every human being and the society as a whole, and should be available to all through a life-long process.

Health is central to people’s lives and is a key element of equitable and sustainable growth and development, including poverty eradication. Major progress has been made in improving the health of millions of people. However, progress has stalled or is not happening fast enough with regard to addressing major diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, while at least half the global population does not have access to essential health services. Concerted efforts are required to achieve universal health coverage and equal access to treatments.

Today, distances are becoming shorter and communication is global, but inequalities and poverty are not diminishing, especially in some parts of the world. Seven out of ten people live in a country where income inequality has increased. Migration has become an ever more pressing issue for both developing and developed countries. Poverty, linked also to the consequences of climate change, continuing human rights violations, conflicts and violence (especially on boys, girls and women) is the main cause of the high levels of migration that we are witnessing today. Unfortunately in many cases migrant populations are being denied access to health and education and are at risk of becoming victims of forced labour, human trafficking. They also suffer an easy target for hate speech and racism. On the other hand, regular migration and mobility can bring benefits to the world through the transfer of knowledge, skills and productive capacity to migrants themselves, their families and the countries of origin and destination. 

According to the UN, gender equality is not only a universal fundamental right, it’s also the foundation of a world in which people live in peace and prosperity. While some indicators of gender equality are progressing, the overall numbers continue to be high. Achieving gender equality is the best chance the world has in meeting some of the most pressing challenges of our time—from economic crisis and lack of health care, to climate change, violence against women and escalating conflicts. Women are not only more affected by these problems, but also possess ideas and leadership to solve them. The gender discrimination still holding too many women back, holds our world back too. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.

Young people are key agents of development and change. Meeting their specific needs, by increasing quality employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, allows them to harness their potential and innovation capacity. It is also crucial to empower young people in the conduct of public affairs, while promoting their participation in local economies, societies and decision-making processes, notably through youth organisations.