Worldwide consumption and production — a driving force of the global economy — rest on the use of the natural environment and resources in a way that continues to have destructive impacts on the planet. Economic and social progress over the last century have been accompanied by environmental degradation that is endangering the very systems on which our future development and our very survival depend.

Inclusive and sustainable industrialization, together with innovation and infrastructure, can unleash dynamic and competitive economic forces that generate employment and income and play a key role in introducing and promoting new technologies, facilitating international trade and enabling the efficient use of resources.

The sustainable development agenda cannot succeed without partnerships with governments, civil society, scientists, academia and the private sector. These inclusive partnerships, built upon a shared vision and shared goals and values that place people at the center, are needed at the global, regional, national and local level.

We depend on our environment for the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable. For example, each year marine plants produce more than half of our atmosphere's oxygen, and a mature tree cleans our air, absorbing 22 kilos of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in exchange. Despite all the benefits we receive from nature, we’re not always good stewards of our environmental gifts; to care for ourselves we must care for nature. World Environment Day is the most renowned day for environmental action.

Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life.

The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated economic and social disparities around the world. Even though the pandemic has affected all segments of the population, the impact is particularly detrimental to members of the most vulnerable social groups including older persons, persons with disabilities, youth and indigenous people.