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Proactive development efforts needed to address poverty and inequalities - UN

KUALA LUMPUR: Proactive development efforts are needed to address poverty and inequalities, said United Nation Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei resident coordinator Karima El Korri.

Speaking at the Mercy Malaysia International Humanitarian Conference plenary sessions, she said, this includes ensuring access to quality education, health care and economic opportunities.

"By building inclusive systems that take into account the needs of men and women to support and protect the most vulnerable, including people with disabilities, migrants, refugees and others. We lay the foundation for lasting peace and stability," she said.

El Korri highlighted that climate change acts as a threat multiplier, exacerbating vulnerabilities and driving humanitarian crises.

Thus, she said, development efforts must incorporate climate resilience and adaptation strategies more systematically.

"We must support communities in building sustainable livelihoods that can withstand environmental shocks and this involves investing in education, green technology, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

"Our humanitarian responses must align with climate action as we work to save lives and safeguard the future of our planet," she said.

El Korri said peace and development are intrinsically linked, each reinforcing the other in a powerful cycle of positive change.

She said sustainable development cannot thrive in environments plagued by conflict, just as peace cannot flourish in conditions of severe inequality and deprivation.

"Addressing the root causes of conflict such as social exclusion, economic disparity, and lack of opportunity, reduces the likelihood of conflict and fosters peaceful, harmonious societies.

"Effective, accountable and inclusive institutions are also vital in respecting human rights, building trust and fostering stability," she said.

She added that there is a need for a reinvigorated multilateral system and partnerships between humanitarian and development actors, governments, the private sector, civil society, universities and the media sectors.

Meanwhile, El Korri said that on the journey towards 2030, the findings found a lagging process, inadequate and often fragmented policies, and insufficient financing.

She said progress has been too slow on climate and the environment, on food security, education, water and sanitation.

Among others, on digital transformation, employment and decent work, equal opportunities for men and women, governance and several other goals.

"Referring to the 2023 special edition of the Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report, only 15 per cent of the targets for which data is available are on track; almost half are off-track; and about one third of the targets show stagnation or regression.

"Unforeseen events have had a serious impact on progress, not least the Covid-19 pandemic, but also geopolitical crises and raging inequalities between and within countries," she said.

Despite daunting challenges, El Korri expressed hope in the resilience and commitment of the humanitarian community.

"Every initiative, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal. The resilience and commitment of the humanitarian community are the foundations of the UN Charter and our collective mission," she said.

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