NEW YORK (USA), Sept 24 (UNB): Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday suggested five priorities for better financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including mobilisation of domestic resources fairly, supported by international assistance.
"Tax systems must be progressive, transparent, and ensure multinational corporations pay their share. Negotiations under the UN Framework on International Tax Cooperation must address these inequities," he said.
Prof Yunus shared the five priorities while delivering the speech at the opening segment of 'First Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals' at the UN headquarters.
Prof Yunus said UN budget cuts or shrinking (Official Development Assistance (ODA) would be counterproductive for countries like Bangladesh that hosts 1.3 million Rohingyas amid several other crises like battling climate shocks, and economic turbulence. 'Gloobal support must expand.'
Secondly, he laid emphasis on leveraging innovative finance and social business. "Blended finance and enterprises that reinvest profits to solve problems are proven drivers of jobs, inclusion, and dignity," Prof Yunus said.
Third, he called for reforming the global financial architecture and debt governance. "Developing countries need greater voices. Debt should be a tool for resilience and development, not austerity," Prof Yunus said.
In his fourth priority, Prof Yunus called for enforcing transparency, preventing illicit financing and ensuring citizen participation. "People, especially youth, must know how resources are used and hold institutions accountable," he said.
Fifth, the Chief Adviser highlighted the importance of accelerating investment for the most vulnerable, resilient housing, climate-smart agriculture, healthcare, education, and nature-based solutions.
"The Seville Commitment charts the course; our humanity calls us to journey on it. Let us build an economy of dignity, shared prosperity, and resilience, ensuring no one is left behind," he said.
The Chief Adviser said the commitments made at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development must become actions.
Closing the USD 4 trillion annual investment gaps for the SDGs is formidable, yet essential, he said.
'We must heed the voices of the marginalized that depend on us.
Prof Yunus is scheduled to deliver his speech at the UNGA on September 26.
Earlier, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held a series of high-level meetings with prominent global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters here on Tuesday (local time). Among those he met were the Prime Minister of Australia, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile, and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay.
Prof Yunus briefly exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following their attendance at the UNGA's inaugural session.
Their short conversation featured key topics including reforms undertaken by the Interim Government, the upcoming general election in Bangladesh scheduled for February, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia.
Prof Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to conducting one of the most transparent and credible elections in the country's history, set for early February.
He expressed hope that international observers would be present to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Prime Minister Albanese spoke warmly of the Bangladeshi community's growing contributions in Australia, particularly in his own constituency. He recalled attending a commemoration of Language Martyrs' Day on February 21 several years ago.
Later, Prof Yunus met Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.
