Nobel Peace Prize- human rights activist Tawakkol Karman stressed the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16. She cautioned that without these goals, especially those related to peace, justice, and strong institutions, the world could face irreparable damage to its stability and security.

Goal 16 envisions a world where everyone, regardless of background, has access to justice and benefits from strong, fair governance.

Speaking at 2024 ESG Global Leaders Conference in Shanghai, Tawakkol Karman pointed out that the global conflicts of today are symptomatic of deeper systemic failures in international governance and global justice.

Karman asserted that humanity stands at a critical juncture, where the decisions made today will determine whether future generations inherit a sustainable planet or one ravaged by climate change and conflict.

Expressing optimism for the future, she stated that it is possible to create a world of hope, justice, and sustainability. She called on governments, businesses, and international organizations to raise their standards and for conference attendees to lead this change.

Karman urged all world leaders, particularly those present at the conference, to move beyond rhetoric and take immediate action. She emphasized that the Sustainable Development Goals are not mere aspirations but essential for the survival of humanity.

Karman emphasized that future generations will hold us accountable for our actions, not our words. She urged us to transition from passive observers of destruction to active architects of a sustainable future. 

She called upon China, as a global power and host of the conference, to take a bold stance in advancing sustainability. She highlighted the need for initiatives that prioritize planetary well-being over national interests, asserting that true leadership lies in making sacrifices for the greater good of humanity.

Here is the complete text of the speech: 

Hello, everyone. Peace be upon all of you. I'm so happy to be here. It’s a great honor to join you at the 2024 ESG Global Leader Conference in Shanghai, a city symbolizing both modern innovation and ancient wisdom. Shanghai reminds us of our interconnected world and our shared responsibility for its future.

We gather at a time of greater opportunity, but also immense challenges. ESG principles—environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical governance—must now be central to global business strategies, investments, and policies. While ESG progress is encouraging, the challenges we face are immense, and our current efforts remain insufficient to meet the scale of this crisis. Companies embracing sustainability are not only doing the right thing; they are more resilient and profitable in the long run. 

But we must accelerate our efforts to confront the existential threats facing humanity. Let’s begin with the most pressing issue: the environment. We are living in an age of climate change and climate emergency, where devastating heat waves, floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather events have become the new normal. 

Despite the ambitious goals set by frameworks like the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions are rising instead of falling. Countries that were once at the forefront of climate leadership have reverted to fossil fuels in the wake of the global energy crisis. For example, Europe has turned back to coal. This is not progress; it is a reversal. The shift to fossil fuels for short-term survival undermines the very principles of environmental sustainability that we are here to defend at this conference. 

Climate targets are slipping out of reach, and the biodiversity of our planet is at risk of collapse as forests are razed and ecosystems destroyed for economic gain. The world must not back down; climate action cannot wait. We cannot afford to delay action on global warming. Our planet is crying out for help, and it’s our responsibility to respond with bold and decisive action. The Earth doesn't have time for half measures. Our response to the climate crisis must be as urgent as the threat itself. For every delay is a betrayal of future generations. 

We need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy with unwavering effort and commitment. And I want to ask you here: what about the promises of corporate responsibility? Too many companies engage in greenwashing, making bold claims about environmental stewardship while continuing to pollute and exploit. Greenwashing undermines ESG principles, erodes public trust, and hinders genuine environmental progress. 

Now, let's talk about social responsibility. We must acknowledge that inequality and poverty are rising globally, with the wealthy able to protect themselves while the poor are left behind. Access to clean water, healthcare, education, and safe housing remains a distant dream for millions around the world.

Indigenous communities across Latin America continue to face threats to their lands, livelihoods, and cultural heritage due to unchecked industrial activities, environmental destruction, and a lack of legal protection. These injustices persist even as companies pledge their commitment to fair labor practices. Diversity, equity, and inclusion must not be just corporate slogans. We must work toward a world where workplace diversity, fair wages, and human rights are central to sustainable development. A society that leaves the most vulnerable behind cannot be called a just society. 

The social dimension of ESG is not only about creating better work environments; it is also about addressing the deep inequalities that fuel conflict, displacement, and instability across the globe. The gap between rich and poor countries continues to widen, both between and within nations. The benefits of globalization are distributed unevenly, and millions continue to live in poverty. 

Achieving sustainable development requires reducing poverty and advancing social justice. Wealthier nations must allocate a fair share of their national income to support poorer countries on their path toward sustainable development. We must create systems that ensure a fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for all. Without addressing inequalities, we cannot build a sustainable future.

Good governance is crucial. It is the backbone of our ability to confront the crises we face. Without transparency, ethical leadership, accountability, and justice, we cannot address the environmental and social challenges threatening us. I had the honor of serving as a member of the UN Secretary-General's high-level panel of eminent persons on the post-2015 development agenda, and I am extremely proud of the goals we set, particularly Goal 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring justice for all, and building accountable institutions. However, I’m deeply saddened by the lack of progress in achieving these goals. 

Advancing their implementation is more crucial now than ever before. Without achieving, especially Goal 16, the foundation of sustainability will crumble, threatening regional and global peace in ways that may be irreparable. Transparency, accountability, justice, and ethical leadership are essential to the governance pillar of ESG principles. Yet, scandal after scandal reveals corporate fraud and government corruption, with powerful allies prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. 

The tech sector worsens governance by enabling hate, privacy violations, and disinformation, while corporations prioritize shareholder returns over long-term social and environmental concerns. This short-termism undermines true sustainability. 

Here, I want to highlight a very important call: there is an urgent call to action for justice. The global conflicts we see today are symptoms of a deeper failure—a failure in international governance and a failure in global justice. We stand at a turning point. The decisions we make now will determine whether future generations inherit a livable planet or one devastated by climate chaos and conflict.

But I believe that we can leave future generations a better world—one filled with hope, justice, and sustainability. Governments, companies, and international institutions must hold themselves to higher standards. You, the people here at this conference—leaders of industry and government—can and must be the ones to lead this change. 

I believe that those gathered today in Shanghai have the power to spark the global adoption of ESG principles, ensuring consistency, transparency, and accountability across all sectors. The lack of consistent ESG standards is a major challenge, but it is not insurmountable. We need greater standardization to ensure transparency and accountability. We require a binding framework to hold companies accountable for contributing to global sustainability—not just companies, but also governments. 

To contribute to global sustainability and the well-being of humanity, we need that binding mechanism. And I believe you can make it happen. Look, justice is the foundation of development and any sustainable future. The United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal Court were created to maintain peace and justice, but they are in dire need of reform. These institutions are often paralyzed by political interests, unable to take decisive action to stop atrocities or hold those responsible for destroying our planet accountable.

I believe that you, the people present at this conference, can play a key role in pushing for the transformation of the United Nations into a binding body capable of addressing global warming, combating climate change, fighting global poverty, and fostering peace. This is not just a dream; it is within our power to make it happen. It is a matter of global security and stability.

Finally, to all world leaders, especially those present at this conference—including governments and corporations—everyone here: the time for talk is over. The time for action is now. The Sustainable Development Goals are not just aspirations; they are a roadmap for survival. Achieving them requires sacrifices, bold reforms, and a shared commitment to building a just and sustainable world. The next generation is watching, and they will not forgive us if we fail. History will judge us not by our words but by our actions.

Let's seize this moment, act decisively, and leave a legacy of peace, justice, and sustainability for future generations. We must be the catalyst for change, moving from witnesses of destruction to architects of a better, more sustainable future. Here, I call on China, as a global power and host of this conference, to take a bold stance in advancing sustainability.

China's influence extends far beyond its borders, and its leadership is essential for global progress. We need initiatives that transcend national interests and prioritize the well-being of our planet. True leadership is not measured by what we stand to gain, but by the sacrifices we are willing to make for the greater good of humanity. Thank you so much!

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