United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed K-pop group BLACKPINK as a new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate.
Guterres appointed BLACKPINK along with Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, STEM activist Valentina Muñoz Rabanal and Microsoft President Brad Smith as new SDG Advocates, who are tasked to champion climate action, bridging the digital divide, gender equality and the promotion of the rights of children.
The new appointments were announced ahead of the start of the 76th UN General Assembly.
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership,” according to the UN website.
The 17 SDGs are No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequality, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, and Partnerships to achieve the Goal.
“We are at a pivotal moment. The choices we make now could put us on a path towards breakdown and a future of perpetual crisis; or breakthrough to a greener and safer world,” said Guterres.
The Secretary-General added, “The SDG Advocates use their considerable spheres of influence to reach new constituencies to act now and keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals for people and for the planet.”
“We truly believe in the importance of collective action. We will only be able to make a difference when we come together, for the good of everyone. Now is the time to act for a safer tomorrow and a better future,” said BLACKPINK.
BLACKPINK, composed of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, are the No. 1 most subscribed artist in the world on YouTube with 66.7 million subscribers to date.
Last year, BLACKPINK became the advocate for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26).