The UN General Assembly’s vision of adopting the ambitious and universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been welcomed by the ITUC. However, the absence of clear and coherent obligations on member states to implement the agreed goals is a matter of concern.

Important pledges to end poverty and reduce inequality, promote decent work, social protection and gender equality is a part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also includes provision of quality education, public services, infrastructure and access to justice and the rule of law. However, means to ensure government accountability in implementing the UN agenda are weak and voluntary, as well as, commitments to implement the Goals through financing and progressive public policy are lacking.

ITUC General Secretary, Sharan Burrow said that the trade union movement supports the high ambition of the SDGs completely. However, the lack of concrete commitments to ensure that the goals would be met is deeply disappointing. Burrow added that the world cannot continue on a ‘business as usual’ path and that social development is crucial to addressing deep and growing economic injustice and to make it possible to transition to a low-carbon future through industrial transformation that sustains livelihoods and also the future of the planet. World leaders need to make a Global Deal to turn lofty aspirations into meaningful action, she added.

President of Global Union Federation Education International, Susan Hopgood, conveyed the trade union message to the UN in an address to the UN General Assembly.