Achim Steiner
UNDP Executive Director
Achim Steiner is Executive Director of UNDP and Under-Secretary General at the United Nations.
Trust 'key' to quest for better world
At this pivotal moment for people and planet, the world has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance an inclusive socio-economic recovery from Covid-19 that drives down poverty and inequalities; advances the protection of our natural world; and boosts decisive climate action. Yet the foundations that all these ambitions are built on -- trust between people and governments -- has been eroded by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through misinformation and division, it has been argued that the media and governments are feeding a vicious cycle of distrust and "exploiting it for commercial and political gain". The key to reversing this worrying trend is strengthening civic space, so that everyone can speak out about the future they want.
Finance is key
If the Sustainable Development Goals are to be met by climate change experts, it will require harnessing the full potential of the financial system.