22. This enterprise can therefore not be business as usual.
23. People across the world are looking to the United Nations to rise to the
challenge with a truly transformative agenda that is both universal and adaptable to the
conditions of each country, and that places people and planet at the center. Their voices
have underscored the need for democracy, rule of law, civic space and more effective
governance and capable institutions; for new and innovative partnerships, including with
responsible business and effective local authorities; and for a data revolution, rigorous
accountability mechanisms, and renewed global partnerships. People are also stressing
that the credibility of new agenda rests on the means that are available to implement it.
24. Three high-level international meetings in the year ahead give us the opportunity
to chart a new era of sustainable development. The first will be the International
Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in July, where a compact for a
global partnership can be realized. The second will be the special Summit on sustainable
development at the United Nations in September, where the world will embrace the new
agenda and a set of Sustainable Development Goals, which we hope will mark a
paradigm shift for people and planet. The third will be the 21st Conference of the Parties
(COP21) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in December,
where Member States have pledged to adopt a new agreement to tackle a threat that could
make more difficult to deliver on the new development agenda.
25. The stars are aligned for the world to take historic action to transform lives and
protect the planet. I urge Governments and people everywhere to fulfil their political and
moral responsibilities. This is my call to dignity, and we must respond with all our vision
and strength.