67. Eradicating poverty by 2030 is the overarching objective of the sustainable
development agenda. We live in a world of plenty, and in a moment of enormous
scientific promise. And yet, for hundreds and hundreds of millions across the globe, this
is also an age of gnawing deprivation. The defining challenge of our time is to close the
gap between our determination to ensure a life of dignity for all on the one hand, and the
reality of persisting poverty and deepening inequality on the other.
68. While we have made important progress in recent years, addressing gender
inequality and realizing women’s rights remains a key challenge in all regions of the