As delivered.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We meet as progress on social development must be re-energized.

The task is not only to reduce poverty, but to expand people’s possibilities to live dignified, secure, and meaningful lives, and to contribute fully to society.

Earlier today, UNDP launched a report showing how South Asia and East Asia and the Pacific together will account for the majority of global poverty reduction through 2030.

It demonstrates that rapid, sustained growth is a strong driver of ‘exits’ from poverty.

Indeed, the core aspirations affirmed in Copenhagen and Doha remain clear:

• no person should live in deprivation;
• everyone should have the chance to access decent work;
• and all people should be able to participate fully in their communities.

The experience of countries like Mexico illustrates how fiscal policies — such as raising wage floors — can reduce poverty without compromising employment.

Yet persistent inequality, demographic shifts, climate impacts, conflict, and rapid technological change continue to generate uncertainty and slow progress.

The question is not what the challenges are but how we move faster and deliver at scale.

From UNDP’s experience, three reflections stand out:

1. First, dignity is central. People need income, but also agency — the ability to shape their own paths. National policies must be designed to enable that agency.
2. Second, cohesion drives progress. Countries that advance furthest unite government, business, workers, and communities around common outcomes.
3. Third, institutions matter. Capabilities for planning, implementation, and learning are as vital as policy choices. When institutions adapt and respond, progress is lasting.

With COP30 in Brazil on the near horizon, we need “coalitions of the willing” on critical issues including climate finance and AI. 

On financing, allow me to underscore the key role UNCDF plays at the intersection of finance and inclusion – helping least developed countries translate social development commitments into investable local solutions - by de-risking investment and deploying catalytic capital for SMEs, local governments, and women and youth entrepreneurs.

UNDP remains committed to supporting countries in translating the commitments of Doha into practical cooperation, effective governance, and financing strategies that deliver meaningful gains for people.

Because dignity must endure — and progress must belong to everyone.

Thank you.

END