An open letter addressed to world leaders, composed by a group of international activists coming together as one, urges immediate action on the promises made five years ago to end poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis. The letter has been released on the Global Goals website.
The letter begins:
This is an emergency. We are activists for different causes from across the world, writing as one for the first time to demand your immediate action in this critical year.
The signatories, which include the most renowned activists across the globe – such as female education activist Malala Yousafzai, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, and primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall – demand that the world leaders do everything possible to “tackle the emergency facing people and planet.” The letter has been backed by over 2,000 campaigners and celebrities such as Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker director JJ Abrams, Little Women star Emma Watson, and Molly’s Game actor Idris Elba.
Believe it or not, 193 countries agreed upon a set of goals that would make this world a better place. Back in 2015, every single member nation of the United Nations adopted the Agenda for Sustainable Development – a pact outlining 17 sustainable development goals.
The letter reads:
Five years ago, at the United Nations, 193 countries committed to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. A historic plan to end extreme poverty, conquer inequality and fix the climate crisis. Look at our world now.
All the countries were supposed to work towards achieving those goals by 2030. But the way things are looking now, that’s not going to happen. Granted, progress has been made, but not nearly enough.
The letter continues by outlining several issues people are facing across the planet:
Our climate is heating up. Natural disasters are increasing. Millions flee their homes. Children suffer without vital food and healthcare. Activists are murdered for their views.
Girls and women are refused education and subjected to discrimination and violence. But still, dare to hope that in 2020 you will act decisively and courageously and kickstart a decade of action.
Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter’s co-founder, and founder and chair of Reform LA Jails said:
The battle for justice and equality becomes more urgent with every passing day. I am proud to join together with 19 other activists today, across issues, across continents and generations, to demand world leaders deliver on their promises contained in the Global Goals. We are doing our bit. They must do theirs.
The letter then concludes with a spark of hope:
But we still dare to hope that in 2020 you will act decisively and courageously and kickstart a Decade of Action. We need you to act faster. To find the finance. To track implementation. To unlock radical solutions.
… and a question:
We are watching you. And we will fight every day, for people, for the planet. There are not just a few of us – there are millions with one voice and one question.
How will you keep your promise and deliver dramatic progress towards the Global Goals this year?
We await your urgent reply.
The Global Goals are to be used as a tool to hold world leaders accountable and to boost everyone’s efforts. Everyone has a role to play, and NOW is the time for action, not tomorrow or in ten years.
The people who backed this letter anticipate that the world leaders will validate their commitment to the Global Goals through what they do during a series of “key moments” throughout the year. For example, at the Gavi replenishment conference, the 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the UN General Assembly, the Generation Equality Forums in Mexico and France, and a biodiversity conference in China.
