UN chief to highlight important work that lays ahead for world leaders in coming weeks

Ahead of what is expected to be one of the busiest high-level periods in recent memory at the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will brief reporters on Wednesday on a range of issues that world leaders will tackle in New York beginning next week.

Member States will gather at the highest level to adopt the landmark 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development during a special summit to be held at the UN from 25 to 27 September. This is one of several milestones in what the UN has dubbed a year of global action and which is expected to culminate with a universal agreement on climate change in December.

This year’s gathering of world leaders also takes place amid several crises, such as the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the challenges posed by the recent massive influx of refugees and migrants into Europe, the threat of violent extremism, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in various parts of the globe.