Inequality, climate change, and conflict are evicting millions from their homes. But these perils are being met with 'anti-answers' such as nationalism, closed borders, lies, and hatred.
Civil society space provides the oxygen for citizens to participate and meaningfully hold their governments and the private sector to account - and ensure that decisions are made in the interest of the majority and not the few. Without it, citizens have limited space to dissent and challenge the elites.
For me, growing up as an activist under an oppressive dictatorship in Uganda, the U.N. was a friend to those of us who fought our way to freedom, as it was for the millions who joined decolonization struggles in the African continent.
Poverty is rooted in injustice.
If the civil society is not transparent, honest, and accountable, then you cannot be a champion of social justice.
A good leader, in my view, should have a clear vision of the future they want and the society they need to build. They must also have a connection with the people who work for them and be able to mobilise their best energies to create teams where people can be most creative and happy.
Global governance needs recalibrating so it works in the public interest of all the world's citizens - not just for the few.
My life has been varied, involving many jobs, but I have always been impatient with injustice.
Global growth and development that is strong, sustainable, and inclusive requires the challenges of inequality to be met head-on.
The proud fight against colonialism is one that should be consigned to history.
African countries lose billions every year because of tax dodging by big corporations and wealthy individuals. They lose billions more from overly generous tax incentives in a misguided belief that this is the only way to attract foreign investment.
Global governments should start seriously talking about the creation of a World Tax Authority with the mission to ensure that tax systems will deliver for the public interests in all countries.
Women, men, and children have fundamental rights to humanitarian assistance and protection. Yet far too many states block aid and attack their own citizens, and too many others - including some of the world's wealthiest countries - turn their back on those fleeing conflict and violence.
That a country has a strong civil society is, I believe, particularly necessary for good development.
I grew up thinking the most decent job to do was to fight injustice.
To reduce gaps between men and women, we will need to change the way people think, behave, and relate to each other.
The people standing up most strongly for our democracies should be celebrated, not prosecuted - be it those countless human rights defenders who defend all our rights or the brave whistle-blowers who expose tax dodging.
Investing in vital infrastructure will help to build more sustainable, equitable economies.
The move to a zero-carbon future is unstoppable.
Our economic system has enabled companies and individuals to use their power and influence to capture and retain an ever-increasing share of the benefits of economic growth while the benefits for the poorest in society have shrunk.
