Devex: Ending poverty through sustainable development and leaving no one behind
Amina Mohammed, U.N. secretary general’s special adviser on post-2015 development planning, and Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International

“As two African women and development leaders deeply involved in efforts to irreversibly end poverty and set the world on a more inclusive and sustainable path, we have reason to celebrate the great strides made in the 14 years since world leaders signed up to the Millennium Development Goals. With less than 500 days to go for the 2015 deadline, the international community has the opportunity to accelerate actions and enhance momentum toward realizing the unfinished business of the MDGs. … Crucial to success in keeping up momentum on the MDGs, and for achieving sustainable development well beyond 2015, are political and financial investments. These will need to be treated with equal ambition and courageous leadership. … A global effort to set the world on course for a better future is going to take rising to these challenges. A world of dignity, equity, and prosperity for all is within our grasp if we move forward decisively and together over the next year” (9/23).