New York – 17 June 2015

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to address this 2015 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Humanitarian Affairs Segment.

This September, world leaders are expected to adopt an ambitious and transformative post-2015 development agenda. The overarching objective of the development framework will be the eradication of poverty, taking into account the three dimensions of sustainable development; economic, social and environmental.

The new development agenda will have a significant impact on development for the next fifteen years and beyond. It will place a renewed emphasis on reducing economic fragility and addressing social disparities within and between countries, while also taking concrete steps to protect the environment.

The breadth and depth of a truly universal post-2015 development framework, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will require a clear, integrated vision and coherent implementation across all sectors, involving all partners; domestic and international, public and private.

Collective action on the part of Member States and the United Nations system will be of vital importance. In this regard, ECOSOC will have a central role to play in advancing an integrated approach to a unified and universal agenda.

Furthermore, if we are to fulfill the principle objective of helping the most vulnerable people around the world, the needs of those affected by conflict and disasters must be taken into account.

In a world where protracted crises have become the norm, and where disasters can wipe out years of development in a blink of an eye, the well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalized must be addressed in our future development objectives.

In this regard, the humanitarian community must be actively involved in shaping and implementing the post-2015 development framework.

Together, we can ensure the future development agenda embraces the needs of all people around the world; improving their daily lives, while preserving the planet for future generations.

I thank you and wish you fruitful deliberations.