Secretary-General's remarks to ECOSOC Segment on Operational Activities for Development [as delivered] 

In a world in crisis, rescuing the Sustainable Development Goals is more important than ever. And I mean what I said. When we see most of the SDGs moving backwards by the accumulation of crises we are facing, to rescue them must be our highest common priority. 
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the loss of some 15 million lives.  
It pushed about 100 million people into poverty in 2020 alone. And it has set back human development, especially women’s rights, by a full generation.  

Source: UN News