78 DEVELOPMENT
UNITY IN AMBITION,
UNITY IN ACTION
The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Unity in Ambition, Unity in Action
By Christine Lagarde Managing Director, International Monetary Fund,
September 25, 2015
Secretary-General, Royal
Highnesses, Excellencies,
Ladies, and Gentlemen—
there is an old saying: in
unity lies strength.
Two months ago, in Addis Ababa, the
international community put this to the
test. We pledged to secure financing to
make sustainable development not an
ambition, but a reality for all.
Today we face yet another moment of truth as we come
together to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our joint success will depend on decisive action and
implementation—at both country and collective levels.
1. At the Country Level
Countries can and must act at three levels: economically,
socially, and environmentally.
First, macroeconomic stability is a pre-requisite for a
sustainable economy—but it is not sufficient on its own.
While priorities vary across countries, structural reforms
and efforts to diversify the economy are often required.
Equally, revenue mobilization and efficient, effective public
spending—including investment—will be key.
A second priority is inclusion. I affirm that more inclusive
growth is also stronger growth—so
we must empower people to fulfil their
potential. Improving girls’ education and
removing barriers to women’s employment
and access to finance, would not only
boost growth, but also tackle income
inequality and poverty. Because let us
not forget that poverty and exclusion are
sexist.
The environment is a third priority.
Countries have a crucial stake in managing
their natural resources efficiently and
effectively. At the same time, limiting the
harmful impact of economic activity on the
environment can and will require targeted
interventions.
In short, each country must do all it
can to drive its own development. But
durable progress cannot be achieved in
isolation—it requires engagement from
the international community. So we need
collective action. Why?
2. Collective Responsibilities
Because in today’s interconnected world,
for good or ill, cause and effect, spillovers
and spillbacks travel across borders,
instantly and unceasingly, irrespective of
the walls that are being built. And at all
levels:
• Macroeconomic stability—where an
economic shock in one country will affect
all others;
• Inclusion—where social transformations
drive the winds of change; and,
• The environment—where, with global
warming, everyone reaps what others
have done.