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H.E. Ambassador Yıldız, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Nations

H.E. Ambassador Yazal, Consul General of the Republic of   Türkiye in New York

Mr. Altay, President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), and Mayor of Konya, 

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Mayors and Governors, 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is my privilege to join this launch of the “Cities Countdown to 2030.” 

Cities are epicentres of economic growth and social progress. 

With 55 percent of the world’s population today – a number that is rapidly growing – cities are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

This requires turbo-charging the transformations foreseen under Agenda 2030 – a transition to renewable energy, to green and blue economies, towards sustainable food systems and digital economies.  

These must be anchored on education for the 21st century and universal social protection schemes and building caring and just societies.

With five years left until 2030, we need all hands-on deck.  

Dear friends, 

Cities have a crucial role in delivering these transitions.  

First – many decisions lie at the local and regional level. 

Your policies can propel change in your communities – we see cities leading the way out of fossil fuels, investing in digital education, protecting their populations from air pollution, etc. 

Second – your proximity to the people can empower communities to become an active part of the solution.  

Dear friends, 

Let’s harness the momentum of the Cities Countdown to 2030 to mobilize local leadership and innovations across six SDG transitions. 

Digital transformations are reshaping urban economies, developing at a rapid pace, overcoming distance, and transforming the way we communicate, consume, and connect with one another.  

I encourage you to use the World Assembly of Local and Regional Governments tomorrow and the Summit of the Future’s Action Days to amplify your message and show how to springboard your local SDG rescue plan to activate, accelerate, and allocate greater resources for SDG implementation at scale.

The United Nations family stands ready to work closely with you at all levels especially in local governments and cities, to accelerate the changes we need – for people and planet.

Thank you.