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When sustainability and peace go hand in hand

Abu Dhabi - The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by the 193 member states of the UN at a historic summit of the world's leaders in New York in September 2015.

Today, the United Nations marks the International Day for Peace, or Peace Day, and t celebrations are themed around sustainable development goals adopted last year in New York.
"The people of the world have asked us to shine a light on a future of promise and opportunity. Member states have responded with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development... It is an agenda for people to end poverty in all its forms. An agenda for the planet, our common home. An agenda for shared prosperity, peace and partnership," stated UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki moon ahead of the Peace Day.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by the 193 member states of the UN at a historic summit of the world's leaders in New York in September 2015. The ambitious 2030 agenda calls on countries to begin efforts to achieve these goals over the next 15 years. It aims to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
War has been the continuous plague of mankind for the past 100 years. According to experts, there have been less than five days of peace - no conflict of any kind - since the end of the Second World War.
The 20^th century was the most murderous in recorded history, with 187 million people killed in wars and conflicts, and the 21^st century began with over 30 wars.
If in the past wars were largely about power and territorial disputes and, more recently, they have a political agenda, the future is believed to bring global fights for natural resources. Middle Eastern current affaires experts are already talking about a possible World War III caused by water.
Natural resources, starting with water, are what humanity will fight for if climate change is allowed to unfold, and lack of food, water, jobs will inevitably lead to more conflicts. Hence, the UN is marking the Peace Day by celebrating sustainable environment and a green economy.
An eco-world means a peaceful world. The UAE government is already committed to a green economy transformation, but it also needs people's support and that is what many residents are calling for - more green effort from us all!
silvia@khaleejtimes.com