United Nations Releases New Film By Richard Curtis Calling For Collective Action On SDGs

The United Nations has debuted a first-of-its-kind film calling for global collective action on the world’s biggest issues that have been outlined under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a part of the United Nations Media Compact, media partners including Green Queen and other networks will be broadcasting the short documentary to raise awareness of the need to take action to build a better world amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is threatening a decade of global progress. 

The short film, Nations United – Urgent Solutions for Urgent Times, was released on Saturday (September 19) to mark the 75th anniversary of the organisation and the 5th anniversary of the SDGs, which were set out to be achieved by 2030. The film aims to raise awareness about what needs to be done to combat some of the world’s biggest challenges, from ongoing poverty and inequality to gender discrimination and climate change – all of which are now under threat of having progress undone by the coronavirus and its enormous impacts around the world. 

While exploring the plethora of tipping points that our planet and people are facing, the film, produced in partnership with 72 Films and directed by Richard Curtis (of Four Weddings And A Funeral and Love, Actually fame, amongst many others), also outlines the science and evidence-based interventions that could be put in place, which have the potential to drastically change our world for the better over the next ten years, such as slashing fossil fuel subsidies, offering universal access to healthcare and digital financial empowerment.

“The way we must exit the pandemic is the same way we must exit the devastating crises of extreme poverty, inequality and climate change – by working together, nations united, inspired by solutions in which we can all play a part,” said Amina Mohammed, deputy secretary general of the United Nations. 

“I hope people will watch this film – from leaders to citizens – and think about what more they can individually and collectively do in the fight for a better world for everyone, everywhere.”

The way we must exit the pandemic is the same way we must exit the devastating crises of extreme poverty, inequality and climate change – by working together, nations united, inspired by solutions in which we can all play a part.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations

Some of the leading activists featured over the course of the movie include Malala Yousafzai, the famous advocate for female education and UN Messenger of Peace, UN Goodwill Ambassadors Don Cheadle and Michelle Yeoh, and actress and women’s rights activist Thandie Newton among many others. 

“My message right now is to young people. We are living in a world where things are not the way we want; we are getting a system, we are getting a world which is unequal, which is sexist, which is racist. We have systems which are discriminating against people, our climate or environment is at risk. There is so much that needs to be done but I hope that young people stand up, raise their voices, they start their activism right now,” said Yousafzai in a statement. 

There is so much that needs to be done but I hope that young people stand up, raise their voices, they start their activism right now.

Malala Yousafzai

In the face of a pandemic that is upending the way our world operates, Nations United is a film that is going to focus on the facts and solutions that can and will create the necessary change, especially at a time when many of the SDGs are in jeopardy. Last week, a report warned that the Global Goals are not likely to be achieved until 2092 – missing the original deadline by over 60 years. 

As a partner of the United Nations SDG Media Compact, Green Queen will be broadcasting the new film to help spread the message of the immediate action needed to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic, for the people and the planet. Stay tuned for details of our watch party.

This article is part of Green Queen Media’s partnership with the SDG Media Compact, aimed at raising awareness and sharing information about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Lead image courtesy of the United Nations.