2015: Time for global action for peace and the planet |26 December 2014

‘2015 will be an historic year for the United Nations. The organisation will celebrate its 70th anniversary, offering a chance to look back on its contributions to peace, human rights and development since its creation in 1945. The year will also be an opportunity to look forward – and in particular how to ensure that people everywhere can thrive on our one and only planet. 2015 is when we will set our course for a sustainable future.’ United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

At its essence, sustainability means ensuring prosperity and environmental protection without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainable world is one where people can escape poverty and enjoy decent work without harming the earth’s essential ecosystems and resources; where people can stay healthy and get the food and water they need; where everyone can access clean energy that doesn’t contribute to climate change; where women and girls are afforded equal rights and equal opportunities.

There is no country or society where sustainability is not important or necessary. We all share the responsibility to work for a sustainable future and we will all reap the benefits.

Many sustainability issues were addressed fifteen years ago when world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – global targets to address extreme poverty and hunger, reduce child and maternal mortality, prevent disease and promote education. The lives of millions of people have been improved through MDG action.

We have made huge progress, yet much more is needed, especially to reach the most marginalised and vulnerable – the women, men and children living on a knife-edge of poverty, injustice and insecurity.

2015 is here

. 2015 can be a pivotal year to change the future of our people and our planet.

. 2015 is a year during which important decisions will be made.

. 2015 is the year of two United Nations summits that can bend the course of history: One in September that will agree new goals – a new framework for humanity – to tackle poverty, inequality and environmental destruction, and the other, in December to set new climate action targets, a crucial step towards a safer planet.

. 2015 is a year of opportunity to secure a sustainable future for people and planet.

. 2015 is when our leaders write their ‘to do lists’ for a generation and what comes out of those negotiations will reveal how ambitious they are – or aren’t – for the kind of world we can build together.

The commitments in 2015 could achieve huge things like:

• ‘An end to extreme poverty by 2030 that condemns millions of people, especially women and girls, to an early death, poor education and ill health.’
 
• ‘A turning point in the soaring levels of inequality and discrimination driven by economic policies that deliver for the few rather than the many.’

• ‘An accelerated transition to 100% renewable energy so that a safe climate and sustainable economy – with all its benefits for people and planet – is possible.’

A movement to end poverty, inequalities and climate change

From Mali to Mexico, Seychelles to Sri Lanka, Uganda to the United Kingdom – people from every region of the world are coming together as ‘action/2015’. Our movement is made up of the many individuals, organisations, and diverse groups that are united around the common belief that the decisions taken in 2015 are critical for our future. Together, as a global movement of citizens, we will raise our voice today for the generations of tomorrow.

‘Action/2015’ is a movement of people around the world who will ensure that when political leaders meet and define their positions in the agreements in 2015, they will know that millions and millions of people like us are watching and listening because we are…:

1. ‘Demanding our Human Rights;

2.  Listening to their promises;

3. Ready to hold them accountable for what they do in the years to come.’

Campaigning for a better future for Seychelles

In January 2015, ‘action/2015’ coalitions and members around the world will be carrying out an array of exciting and inspiring launch activities at national, local and community levels. For many people New Year’s Day is a moment of reflection on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

The ‘Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles’ (Ceps) is easing the process for a national ‘action/2015’ in Seychelles, and  a variety of activities and events will take place in our small islands to galvanise support for the campaign. We hope that many individuals and organisations will join us in supporting the ‘action/2015 campaign’ during the year.

Homa Mungapen
'Africa Regional Action Team'