Gambiaj.com – (NEW YORK, United States) – The “2024 SDG Moment” convened this afternoon in the United States, gathering influential global figures to spotlight the urgent need for political leadership and innovative investment in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hosted in the wake of the Summit of the Future, the event featured a diverse array of speakers, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN SDG Advocate Lilly Singh, and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, among others.

Centered on three critical transitions—food systems transformation, the renewable energy revolution, and digital connectivity—the event underscored the need for partnerships across government, international organizations, business, and civil society to achieve the SDGs by 2030. It offered an inspiring mix of talks and informal conversations aimed at addressing the persistent gaps in global development efforts.

President Faye stood out as the only African head of state attending alongside leaders from four other continents. In his address, he shared Senegal’s ambitious vision for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs, with a particular focus on digital transformation.

The president emphasized the critical role of technology in modernizing sectors like education, agriculture, and healthcare, stating that digital access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for development. To this end, President Faye announced Senegal’s policy initiative to reduce the cost of internet access, ensuring broader connectivity across the nation.

In a landmark statement, he expressed his aspiration to constitutionalize the right to internet access, akin to Senegal’s existing constitutional rights to education and freedom of expression. “Technology has become an integral part of daily life and is indispensable for accessing essential services,” President Faye remarked, signaling his administration’s commitment to fostering digital inclusivity.

Opening the session, UN SDG Advocate Lilly Singh addressed the challenges in SDG progress, calling for increased resources, attention, and innovation rather than lowered expectations. “We must rise to the occasion and address the remaining gaps,” she stated, setting the tone for an event focused on bold leadership and transformative action.

The 2024 SDG Moment highlighted the importance of political will, SDG investments, and global cooperation in driving the agenda forward, with leaders like President Faye playing a pivotal role in advancing digital rights as a cornerstone for sustainable development.