UN Summit: Too Much Talk And Not Much Action
The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit of 2015 has begun and world leaders have shown that they are willing to look at some of the most delicate issues that we our planet has to face. Climate change, poverty and inequality were some of the most discussed subjects and it was unanimously agreed that there has been too much talk and not much action.
The United Nations secretary-general has described this year’s subjects as “a to-do list for people and planet”, having discussed 17 Sustainable Development Goals that are going to be slowly, but surely adopted over the next 15 years. Not only the wellbeing of the people is at stake, but the trustworthiness of those who govern our countries and want to show that they truly care.
There were 193 U.N member nations at the summit, all of whom believe it was time to discuss these issues in the midst of the greatest and worst refugee crisis that has occurred since the Second World War. Peace and prosperity must be obtained, otherwise we will be likely to face issues like these in the years to come as well.
Pope Francis has formally declared that the adoption of these goals is “an important sign of hope”. He did not end with this conclusion, however, and stated that “solemn commitments are not enough… even though they are necessary steps towards solutions.” Pope Francis repeated, indirectly, that words do not matter as much as actions do.
He urged world leaders to move onward with an “effective will” that is “practical, constant with concrete steps and immediate measures.” It is time that we stopped saying things or saying that we will be doing things and actually start doing things.
This new adoption has come a long way, after having been brainstormed for three years by members of the nations. They have finally come to the conclusion that debates must stop, since they agree on many or all terms, and start implementing new features into parliaments, policies and practical programs.
These new implementations represent a great step forward, especially because they are planned on being universal, applicable to all nations of the world, and not just the developing countries. Moreover, issues like poverty and inequality are being tackled, which indicates that world leaders are willing to put an end to these barriers that have been severing human connections for generations.
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