New York, United States—On September 24, 2015, Agenda 2030 was enacted at the UN’s 70th General Assembly, with 193 nations in unanimous agreement to work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—global goals aimed to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. At a subsequent meeting convened in partnership with World Bank Group, over 60 religious leaders and leaders of faith-based organizations formed a unique platform of faith-based organizations for collaboration and advocacy under the banner “The Moral Imperative to Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Realize the SDGs.” UPF is part of the Moral Imperative Initiative as a member of the Steering Committee.
Members of the UN faith community embrace the Moral Imperative Initiative in the shared belief that the moral test of our society is how the weakest and most vulnerable are treated. Sacred texts call us to combat injustice and uplift the poorest in our midst. No one, regardless of sex, age, race, or belief, should be denied the right and opportunity to experience the fullness of life. The approach to this staggering need must be holistic, rooted in spiritual visions or our respective faiths and built on the shared recognition of the intrinsic dignity and value of all life on earth.
The Moral Imperative Initiative affirms the role of religious and faith actors as greatly enhancing efforts and pathways towards achieving the SDGs. This is bolstered by the wide reach and size of their communities, their rich history in service to society, the ability to mobilize action, and the shared concern for people and the environment.
Recently, the more than 60 faith-inspired organizations have endorsed the following statement on the important action policies religious organizations can play in addressed recovery from the alarming setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the statement, click here.