UNITED NATIONS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A ministerial declaration overwhelmingly adopted on Wednesday reaffirmed the United Nations' (UN) commitment to effectively implement the global goals for sustainable development.
As the 8-day forum on sustainable development concluded, ministers and high representatives reiterated their commitment to eradicating poverty, expressing concern that poverty remains a principle cause of hunger, and stressed the importance of taking collective measures to make an impact.
Some 4.5 billion people have no access to safely managed sanitation, 2.1 billion lack access to safe drinking water, 892 million still practice open defecation and 844 million lack basic water services, according to the forum.
Issues including diversity in cities and other human settlements, stakeholder engagement in a sustainable-food systems approach and challenges of plastic waste were also on the table.
Participants emphasized the critical role of science, technology and innovation, as well as peace and security, in sustainable development.
