SDG Media Zone: Shaping a Path to Inclusive Prosperity
The world is off course, with rising inequalities in Human Development Index values threatening permanent losses in human development. Accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, economic uncertainty, and societal polarization are trapping communities in poverty. Our economic and social systems, rooted in injustice and inequality, need recalibration. Change can happen quickly if people make choices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the 2024 79th UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, the SDG Media Zone hosted an important session titled “Unlocking Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment”. Organized by the UN SDG Action Campaign, the discussion brought together key leaders from the UN, government, and the private sector to explore actionable strategies for a more sustainable, inclusive future.
Moderated by Laura Pepe, a journalist with RAI, the event featured Marina Ponti, Global Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation for the Government of Italy, and Lucia Silva, Chief Sustainability Officer at Assicurazioni Generali. Together, they addressed how global governance frameworks, business practices, and individual actions can accelerate the transition to a more equitable society.
Stefano Gatti emphasized the importance of technology and social media in engaging younger generations, especially in Africa, where the population is predominantly young:
“Governments are obliged to have a strategy for using these tools to communicate and mobilize young people. In Uganda, for example, the average age is 19, and young people primarily operate digitally, even in financial transactions.”
Lucia Silva stressed the role of the private sector in driving the transition to a net-zero society through alliances:
“Through alliances like the Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance, we define methodologies and align approaches to reduce CO₂ emissions. At Generali, we help our customers and investees reduce their emissions, guiding them toward transformation.”
Marina Ponti highlighted the role of creativity in sparking change, particularly through art:
“Art allows us to imagine a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. At the Summit of the Future, we launched an art exhibition featuring works from young people globally, expressing hope in action. This is one of the many examples of how we engage creativity to inspire action.”
The conversation concluded with a unified call to action. Ponti reiterated the urgency of hope-driven action: “Hope is not naive; it gives us the strength to act without delay.”
Lucia Silva added:
“It’s time for action. We no longer ask whether to act, but when and how quickly. Time is running out.”
Stefano Gatti emphasized collaboration as key to addressing global challenges:
“The problems are too big to tackle alone. We must work together for, not against.”
Watch the session on UN Web TV and YouTube
This inspiring session reminded us that despite daunting challenges, change is possible. With collective action, hope, and urgency, we can shape a future where prosperity is truly inclusive for all.
