SDG Advocates Reception

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Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

A warm welcome to the SDG Advocates Reception.

It’s very good to see so many people here tonight.

I am particularly pleased to see so many new faces.

I can also see many of the ‘usual suspects’ here.

Don’t worry – you are also very welcome!

The purpose of this evening is to break down the boundaries between the various sectors in the global community.

You may represent a government, a business, an NGO, a trade union, a learning institution or a faith-based organisation.

Or you may be involved in technology development, innovation or philanthropy.

What is clear is that the SDG campaign needs all of us.

And, what’s more, we need to form partnerships.

Governments need the innovative abilities of the business and scientific communities.

Both governmental and civil society development agencies need the broad reach of faith-based organisations.

Just think of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Gavi draws on all these actors – and it delivers fantastic results.

But there is one kind of partner that I haven’t yet mentioned. That is, international organisations.

It’s my great pleasure to introduce the Secretary-General of the world’s most important organisation.

Please welcome His Excellency, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres.

Let’s gie him a big round of applause!

Thank you.