Text 2 - The Green Amazon News
Summit of the Future: Are We Building the Future We Want or Ignoring Reality? Opinion- 04/10/2024
Anna Luisa Beserra
In the last week of September, between the 18th and 24th, I had the honor of participating in the Summit of the Future at the UN in New York. As a young social entrepreneur, I was invited to share my vision of the role of young people and women in decision-making on global issues. It was an incredible experience, surrounded by debates and exchanges of ideas about sustainability, equality, and the future we want to build.
The energy at the event was inspiring: global leaders, young activists, and entrepreneurs committed to transforming the world. However, behind all this excitement, there is a reality that we can't ignore: many of these discussions end up just being on paper. Despite powerful speeches and grandiose promises, concrete action is lacking.
The discrepancy between discourse and reality
One of the most discussed topics at the event was the inclusion of young people and women in strategic decisions. It's clear that we need more diversity in leadership positions, but the truth is that these changes are still far from materializing. When we look at the decision-makers, we realize that many of them are more concerned with building a positive image than actually making a difference.
And herein lies the great paradox: while many leaders talk about sustainability and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in practice, they continue to support industries that destroy the environment. A clear example is the oil industry, which, despite being one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, still receives tax breaks and government support in many countries.
The same governments that talk about the urgency of fighting climate change are the ones that facilitate the expansion of these polluting industries. Meanwhile, impact initiatives, which bring sustainable and social solutions, continue to be forgotten and face huge barriers to scaling up and gaining momentum.
Two thousand thirty targets: are we heading for failure?
With the way we are moving forward - or rather, backward - in our climate and social policies, it is hard to believe that we will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The feeling is that we are getting further and further away from these goals.
The recent UN report highlights that only 17% of the SDG targets are on track. This means that most of the commitments made eight years ago have yet to materialize. If governments and large companies continue to “fantasize” that they are taking action without changing the logic of supporting polluting and exploitative industries, not only will we not reach the targets by 2030, but 2040 and 2050 will also be just mirages on the horizon.
What can we do now? Are we ready to act or just keep talking?
The first step is to push for these commitments to become real actions. We need policies that prioritize sustainability, with real incentives for companies that have a positive impact and change reality. No more exemptions for industries that destroy the planet. We need to support projects that regenerate, that transform, and that guarantee a fair future for all.
Furthermore, we must demand transparency. Every promise made at events like the Summit of the Future must be accompanied by concrete actions and results. Without this, we will continue to live in a world of empty speeches and unfulfilled promises.
The clock is ticking. And what is at stake is the future of all of us. It's not enough for a few billionaires to survive in a broken world. We need to ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has the chance to live with dignity on a healthy planet.
What do you think? How long are we going to accept this sustainability theater? It's time to turn words into actions and build the future we want.
With gratitude, 🌿🌍
Anna Luisa Beserra
Founder, Sustainable Development & Water For All
LinkedIn: Anna Luisa Beserra
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