Obama at SDG summit

This is an extraordinary time of global action for the most pressing issues of our day.

Having previously called bold action on climate change a “moral imperative,” Pope Francis opened a special summit at the United Nations three days ago where a new global plan for the prosperity of people and planet was officially agreed to by 193 countries. Last night, President Obama closed out the Sustainable Development Goals Summit with a rousing speech and commitment by the United States for global development – officially supporting the Global Goals that include ending extreme poverty and tackling climate change.

Today, I am committing the United States to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Fifteen years ago the United Nations set forth the first ever set of global goals, known as the Millennium Development Goals, which helped to mobilize action to save millions of lives. To date, more than two billion people gained access to an improved source of drinking water and more children are in primary school than ever before.  These next set of Global Goals will continue the previous set of goals while helping address the root causes of poverty.

An unprecedented number of media were present to record history at a time where the United Nations also commemorates its 70th year. Relive the moment with five powerful excerpts from Obama’s remarks below:

1. “Because the world came together in an unprecedented effort, the global hunger rate has…been slashed.”

2. “Let the skeptics and cynics take note—development works. Investing in public health works. We can break the cycle of poverty.”

3. “Many children are just one mosquito bite away from death. That is a moral outrage. It is a profound injustice.”

4. “All our countries will be affected by a changing climate—but the world’s poorest people will bear the heaviest burden.”

5. “Every nation—all our nations—must invest in the education, health and skills of women & girls.”

This morning, the 70th Session of United Nations General Assembly begins and President Obama will be giving opening remarks. Don’t miss it – you can catch it LIVE with: http://webtv.un.org/