Guterres calls for elimination of inequality through "new social contract" and "global new deal"
Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, July 18th (Reporter Shang Xuqian) UN Secretary General Guterres delivered a speech on the 18th, calling for the elimination of inequality through the "New Social Compact" and "Global New Deal".
Figure: UN Secretary General Guterres. China News Agency reporter Liao Panshe
Guterres said in the annual Nelson Mandela International Day speech that the new crown pandemic exposed risks that have been overlooked for decades, including weak public health systems, lack of social security, structural inequality, and environmental degradation And the climate crisis. The New Crown Pandemic is a human crisis, but it also provides opportunities for a more equitable and sustainable world.
He said that resolving this crisis and the widespread dissatisfaction that existed before the crisis must be based on a new social contract and a global new policy that can provide fair opportunities for all and respect the rights and freedoms of all people. The New Social Compact and the Global New Deal are also the only ways to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
Guterres said that the new social contract between the government, people, social groups and enterprises should integrate employment, sustainable development and social security on the basis of equal rights and opportunities for all people. The new social contract can ensure that young people live in dignity, that women enjoy the same development opportunities as men, and that they can protect the weak and minority groups.
He said that the Global New Deal should ensure a more equitable distribution of power, wealth and opportunities at the international level. The new global governance model must be based on the full and equal participation of all countries in global organizations. Developing countries should have a greater say in the decision-making process of global affairs and need to establish a more inclusive and balanced multilateral trading system.
The "Nelson Mandela International Day" annual speech is organized by the South African Mandela Foundation. Former US Presidents Clinton and Obama, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former UN Secretary General Annan, and former South African Archbishop Tutu were invited to give speeches.
July 18 is the birthday of the late South African former President Nelson Mandela. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in November 2009, deciding to designate July 18 as the "Nelson Mandela International Day" every year.