United Nations 77th General Assembly is looming – Same procedure as every year although there would be an alternative
Let me begin with a praise: Yes, we are in times of big trouble around the globe with a global climate crises, COVID-19 pandemic, several on-going wars (Russia/Ukraine, Tigray, Yemen…) economic instability, lack of equality and struggles for freedom in many countries. But in this troubled time it is a little sign of comfort that UN routine mechanisms like the traditional annual summit at the beginning of the new annual session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) are still functioning. They do this since 1945 without interruption and this keeps governments talking with each other. Well, this doesn’t prevent wars and suffering but it is a possible starting point for a better future. That alone is good and important. Thus, I am glad that the 77th session will take place between 12 and 27 September (https://www.un.org/en/ga/77/meetings/)!
I also would like to thank the Secretary General António Guterres. In his speeches and reports he described very clearly threats and challenges and appealed to member states. If things go wrong in the world nobody can say the UN wouldn’t have warned (https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/secretary-generals-speeches).
However, the existing structures and procedures are not used to renew institutions and politics for goal achievement. Member states picked UNGA chair Hungary, a country which is not really known to be a frontrunner for democracy, international cooperation, inclusion or sustainability. And so is the programme of the GA!
During the Assembly there will be an ‘SDG Moment’. The Assembly is scheduling not more than 90 minutes for the Sustainability Agenda! Wow! Of course, there will be also a nine days ‘Global Goals Week’ but that is more a festival of events highlighting actions and solutions. This is good as a Thank You to all active people and organisations but in front of the challenges it is distracting. It serves more as what in the Roman Empire was called Panem et circensis (Bread and circuses). It is informing and even entertaining but is not linked to any decision-making and clear follow-up.
What would be the alternative? The answer is simple: Discuss the reports and speeches of the Secretary General, evaluate the input to be given during the Global Goals Week and adapt UN policies and actions accordingly. Also, read the new report of the Club of Rome. 50 years after its first report on the Limits of Growth it published -just in time for the GA- its new report ‘Limits of Growth 50+ Global Equity for a healthy planet'.
The book promises to deliver a survival guide for humanity. Isn't that what is needed? Isn't it worth to change routines of the Assembly? In a changing world one has to grow up to challenges to stay true to ones own values. I am glad that the United Nations General Assembly keeps working but I doubt that business as usual is the way to grow up to current challenges.
Info by the Club of Rome https://www.clubofrome.org/
Ahead of significant political events such as UNGA and COP 27 Earth4All is launching Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity, which presents the results of a two-year research project, that brought together leading scientists, economic thinkers and a team of ‘systems dynamics’ computer modelers.The book builds on the common mantra from social movements calling for “Systems Change Not Climate Change” and “People Not Profit”. It lays out what economic systems change really means for civilization and proposes five extraordinary turnarounds that provide a framework for a fair, just, and affordable economic transformation. The book tackles the fierce debate between advocates for “green growth” and supporters of “degrowth” economies.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, author and co-president of The Club of Rome said, “Our economic and financial systems are broken, and we are reaching dangerous levels of inequality. Do we want to create the first trillionaire or do we want to create functional, fair democratic societies? Ultimately, Earth for All is about building societies that value prosperity for all rather than profit for the few on a finite planet fit for the 21st century. Let’s be clear, a more equal society benefits everyone, even the very rich.”
The book explores two scenarios beginning in 1980 and ending in 2100. These scenarios entitled Too Little, Too Late and The Giant Leap explore how population, economies, resource use, pollution wellbeing and social tensions might change this century based on decisions made this decade.
Policies and Governance for Resilient and Sustainable Cities and Regions
