The President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) Abdulla Shahid has stated collective action is required to ensure that years of progress achieved in poverty reduction is not erased. He made the remarks in a video message released on the occasion of the International Day for Eradication of Poverty.
In his message, PGA Shahid stated the COVID-19 pandemic, along with pressures of conflict and climate change, puts to risk the global target of eradicating poverty by 2030. He highlighted the importance of collective action to ensure that years of progress achieved in poverty reduction are not erased, and that efforts to confront poverty caused by COVID-19 are swift, timely and targeted.
PGA Shahid called on the international community to commit to reversing this setback to development progress and poverty reduction by strengthening capacities through education, science and support for creative economy, which are sources of employment as well as of pride and dignity. He added a sustainable fight against poverty requires countries to prepare for a different economy post-COVID, by allowing capital, labour, skills and innovation to move into new businesses and sectors.
Concluding his message, PGA Shahid called on the world to commit to a recovery that is cleaner, greener and bluer. He also called on the world to renew commitment to the most vulnerable groups.