Signatories include world-leading activists and campaigners from Dr. Jane Goodall DBE and Malala Yousafzai, to leaders of movements including Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter; Dr Obigaileli Ezekwesili, Bring Back Our Girls; Tarana Burke, Me Too and Alexandria Villaseñor, Fridays For Future.
In a dramatic act of global unity, 2000 campaigners and public figures from over 140 countries are backing an open letter signed by 20 world-leading activists. The letter declares a state of “emergency” for people and planet. It comes one week on from UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling on the international community to make the 2020s the “decade of action” and 2020 the “year of urgency”.
"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."