As world leaders converge at the United Nations for the Summit of the Future and General Assembly High-Level Week, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivered a powerful message, emphasizing the vital role leaders play in driving global innovation and addressing mounting challenges.

Her remarks come at a time of increased global crises, from escalating debt burdens in the Global South to conflicts, climate change, and societal inequalities.

Ms. Mohammed underscored the urgency of the moment, noting that the gathering of leaders occurs amid worsening conditions. She called for immediate action to help those affected by the “climate chaos” and widespread insecurity, including full-scale wars and violence in communities across the world.

“You are called to provide solutions to people affected by climate chaos and the specter of conflict and insecurity that ranges from full-blown war in your communities, to violent extremism, crime, or violence against women,” she said.

Local Leadership Key To Global Progress

With the looming deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030, Ms. Mohammed stressed the critical need for leadership at both the global and local levels.

“We need your energy, initiatives, and ideas more than ever to make the sustainable development goals real in people’s lives,” she urged.

She pointed out the growing importance of local leadership, particularly as cities are expected to house 70% of the world’s population by 2050. Local leaders, including mayors, are already playing a transformative role by tackling the climate crisis, improving energy access, and fostering more equitable communities.

The Deputy Secretary-General commended these efforts, noting that many challenges once deemed unsolvable are now being overcome due to local-level initiatives. “We are seeing the dividends of your determination in breakthroughs to challenges once considered intractable,” she said. However, she also acknowledged that significant work remains to be done.

Call For Ambition And Action

While recognizing current progress, Ms. Mohammed urged urban leaders to continue their efforts and push for more equitable and accessible systems, particularly regarding climate solutions.

She emphasized the need for stronger disaster prevention mechanisms, such as early warning systems, to ensure communities can withstand future challenges.

Ms. Mohammed further stressed the importance of strengthening local democracy with peace at its foundation. “We need an empowered local democracy with peace at its core, and we need more resilient communities with early warning systems for disaster prevention,” she said.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Mohammed urged global leaders to amplify their ambition and work harder to achieve the SDGs, which promise a future that is “more prosperous, equal, and sustainable for everyone, everywhere.”