We are in an emergency for people and planet.

Governments across the World are not acting quickly enough or not with enough intention to meet the 2030 deadline for the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ plan to defeat poverty, fix inequality and combat climate crisis.

Leaders need to find innovative financial solutions and show us how they will commit to this next decade of action.

Companies of all sizes, anywhere in the World, need to take meaningful action and track their progress. The role of business is not just to participate, but to lead.

Despite real progress being made by the business community, there is clear recognition that action is not measuring up to the size of the challenge.

The business community has an important role to play delivering on the promise of a shared, durable prosperity for all.

You say you hear us and that you understand the urgency. But no matter how sad and angry I am, I do not want to believe that.

Because if you really understood the situation and still kept on failing to act, then you would be evil and that I refuse to believe.

My message is that we’ll be watching you. This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean.

Yet you all come to us young people for hope. How dare you. You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. Yet I am one of the lucky ones. People are suffering.

You are failing us. But the young people are starting to understand your betrayal. The eyes of all future generations are upon you.

And if you choose to fail us, I say, we will never forgive you. We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line.

The World is waking up, and change is coming whether you like it or not. Thank you.

Greta Thunberg

Dear World Leaders,

This is an emergency.

We are activists for different causes from across the world, writing as one for the first time to demand your immediate action in this critical year.

5 years ago, at the United Nations, 193 countries committed to the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

A historic plan to end extreme poverty, conquer inequality and fix the climate crisis. 

Look at our world now.

Our climate is heating up.

Natural disasters are increasing.

Millions flee their homes.

Children suffer without vital food and healthcare.

Activists are murdered for their views.

Girls and women are refused an education and subjected to discrimination and violence.

But we still dare to hope that in 2020 you will act decisively and courageously and kickstart a Decade of Action.  

We need you to act faster.

To find the finance. To track implementation. To unlock radical solutions.

We are watching you. And we will fight every day, for people, for planet.

There are not just a few of us – there are millions with one voice and one question.

How will you keep your promise and deliver dramatic progress towards the Global Goals this year?

We await your urgent reply.