Rebuilding the Shrine of Humanity’s Living and Reconstructing the Form of Humanity’s Life

Envisioning a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, identified by the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination, distinguished by Good Governance, respect for race, ethnicity and cultural diversity and forging equal opportunity, which will permit the full realization of human potential and contribute to shared prosperity, in September 2015, the 193 Member States of the United Nations General Assembly agreed to commit to the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Further envisioning a world which invests in its children wherein every child grows up free from violence and exploitation, the 2030 Agenda is guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including full respect for international law. Grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaties as well as the Millennium Declaration adopted in the year 2000 and the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, this Agenda strives to create a world in which every country enjoys sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all—within a world that is just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive –a world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are noted, and met.

Sustainability is an all-important foundational attribute of this Agenda, which strives to create a world in which consumption and production patterns and use of all natural resources are sustainable and result in a harmonious relationship among humanity, nature, wildlife and all other living species.

Recognizing the scale and ambition of this universal Agenda, the designers of this blueprint for humanity and the planet were determined to take bold and transformative steps that are thought to be urgently needed. Forged over two years of intensive public consultations and engagement with civil society and other stakeholders around the world, paying particular attention to the voices of the poorest and most vulnerable, the Agenda’s Goals are to be realized by 2030.

Acknowledging that current world conditions are critical and most challenging and that the survival of many societies as well as the biological support systems of the planet are at risk, the framers of this Agenda also recognize that we are living in a time of immense opportunity.

Three years into this Plan, with 12 years before the deadline, what progress has been made?

Having the benefit of The Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2018 to help them evaluate their progress, the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, recently met at the United Nations (9-18 July) to answer this question. Including UN Member States, business leaders, mayors, the scientific community, foundations, UN agencies and civil society organizations, more than 2000 representatives participated.

Many confirmed the data in the Report: much progress has been made, yet mounting challenges also exist. Among the hurdles cited are climate change, conflicts, inequality, poverty, rapid urbanization, rising trade tensions and elevated debt levels.

Marie Chatardová, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) confirmed that “new ways of making policies are taking root, with many examples of more inclusive and evidence-based approaches…but, generally, not at a sufficient speed to realize the SDGs by 2030.”

General Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák equally emphasized the progress made, and the need for urgent action, while also pointing out that “the world would be a very scary place” because without the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda, “unilateralism, protectionism and extremism would have even larger draws.”

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed provided the prescriptive solution for future success: “The transformation promised will only be achieved by engaging all actors right across society”—a point underscored by Ms. Chatardová: “we need your tireless efforts and commitments if we are to reach our collective goals for a better world.”

¹ The Destiny of the Nations, by Alice A. Bailey, Copyright © Renewed 1977 by Lucis Trust, NY, p. 106. Although this book was first published in the middle of last century, it is today most relevant. It provides the spiritual context through which to better understand and appreciate the importance of today’s efforts to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda—the UN’s “Plan of Action for People Planet and Prosperity—17 Goals to Transform Our World,” which can be found as a 41-page PDF on-line.

Diamond Light
Newsletter of the Aquarian Age Community	2018 No. 1 Index \| Back Issues
Rebuilding the Shrine of Humanity’s Living and Reconstructing the Form of Humanity’s Life The remainder of this century must be dedicated to rebuilding the shrine of man's living, to reconstructing the form of humanity's life, to reconstituting the new civilisation upon the foundations of the old, and to the reorganising of the structures of world thought, world politics, plus the redistribution of the world's resources in conformity to divine purpose. Then and only then will it be possible to carry the revelation [of the spiritual mysteries] further.¹ Together, let us make good on our shared promise to humanity—a future of prosperity, peace and dignity for all. Unity is our path. Our future depends on it. (Secretary-General António Guterres, referring to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—17 Goals to Transform Our World.)
Envisioning a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, identified by the rule of law, justice, equality and non-discrimination, distinguished by Good Governance, respect for race, ethnicity and cultural diversity and forging equal opportunity, which will permit the full realization of human potential and contribute to shared prosperity, in September 2015, the 193 Member States of the United Nations General Assembly agreed to commit to the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Further envisioning a world which invests in its children wherein every child grows up free from violence and exploitation, the 2030 Agenda is guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including full respect for international law. Grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights treaties as well as the Millennium Declaration adopted in the year 2000 and the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, this Agenda strives to create a world in which every country enjoys sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all—within a world that is just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive –a world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are noted, and met. Sustainability is an all-important foundational attribute of this Agenda, which strives to create a world in which consumption and production patterns and use of all natural resources are sustainable and result in a harmonious relationship among humanity, nature, wildlife and all other living species. Recognizing the scale and ambition of this universal Agenda, the designers of this blueprint for humanity and the planet were determined to take bold and transformative steps that are thought to be urgently needed. Forged over two years of intensive public consultations and engagement with civil society and other stakeholders around the world, paying particular attention to the voices of the poorest and most vulnerable, the Agenda’s Goals are to be realized by 2030. Acknowledging that current world conditions are critical and most challenging and that the survival of many societies as well as the biological support systems of the planet are at risk, the framers of this Agenda also recognize that we are living in a time of immense opportunity. Three years into this Plan, with 12 years before the deadline, what progress has been made? Having the benefit of The Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2018 to help them evaluate their progress, the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, recently met at the United Nations (9-18 July) to answer this question. Including UN Member States, business leaders, mayors, the scientific community, foundations, UN agencies and civil society organizations, more than 2000 representatives participated. Many confirmed the data in the Report: much progress has been made, yet mounting challenges also exist. Among the hurdles cited are climate change, conflicts, inequality, poverty, rapid urbanization, rising trade tensions and elevated debt levels. Marie Chatardová, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) confirmed that “new ways of making policies are taking root, with many examples of more inclusive and evidence-based approaches…but, generally, not at a sufficient speed to realize the SDGs by 2030.” General Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák equally emphasized the progress made, and the need for urgent action, while also pointing out that “the world would be a very scary place” because without the 17 Goals of the 2030 Agenda, “unilateralism, protectionism and extremism would have even larger draws.” Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed provided the prescriptive solution for future success: “The transformation promised will only be achieved by engaging all actors right across society”—a point underscored by Ms. Chatardová: “we need your tireless efforts and commitments if we are to reach our collective goals for a better world.” ¹ The Destiny of the Nations, by Alice A. Bailey, Copyright © Renewed 1977 by Lucis Trust, NY, p. 106. Although this book was first published in the middle of last century, it is today most relevant. It provides the spiritual context through which to better understand and appreciate the importance of today’s efforts to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda—the UN’s “Plan of Action for People Planet and Prosperity—17 Goals to Transform Our World,” which can be found as a 41-page PDF on-line.
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