❝If the SDGs are achieved, the world will be a better place❞ Ms. Helen Clark, Former Administrator

❝If the SDGs are achieved, the world will be a better place❞

I heard that you participated in the Ship for World Youth. How did that contribute to your career?

Helen Clark：I participated in the “Ship for World Youth” programme, when it was called the “Japanese Youth Goodwill Cruise”, in 1975. It was my first time going abroad. Our first port of call was Fiji, and then we sailed on to Japan. I remember being impressed at the range of electronic goods available in Japan. I obtained new perspectives from meeting many young Japanese, other New Zealanders, Australians, and Fijians during the trip. Participating in the programme encouraged me to take a lifelong interest in Japan, where I have visited on many occasions since. When I was the head of the United Nations Development Programme, Japan was a very important partner.

❝The social media can be a force for good❞

What is your expectation of the youth generation in achieving the SDGs?

Helen Clark：First, countries must invest in their young people. We have around 1.8billion young people worldwide in the least, which is the largest number of that generation ever. Many of them do not face very good prospects because of the problems their countries have. Young people want to pursue their education, and acquire skills. They want jobs and opportunities. They need access to sexual and reproductive health services, and to housing. These are preconditions for youth to be able to contribute effectively to the SDGs and to society in general.

Young people should be able to be engaged fully in the affairs of their own communities and countries, and to have knowledge of what is happening in the wider world and connect with that. The youth nowadays can be true global citizens. In this respect, social media can be a positive force. It’s important, however, that the youth are aware of the malign forces which abuse and manipulate social media, including the spreading of fake news and hate speech.

What is the best way for the youth generation to start the action for achieving SDGs?

Helen Clark：I think by volunteering in your community. There are many ways to help – including by working with those who may need support in their older years, or because they are ill or have disabilities. Supporting by cleaning up and beautifying the local environment is also important.

These days, many Japanese companies are joining the action to achieve SDGs. On the other hand, it is said that some companies pretend to co-operate with the SDGs, but are not serious. This is called “SDGs Washing”. What do you think of this issue?

Ms. Helen Clark：First, companies should examine their business model. For example, the Business Call to Action (BCtA), which was established by UNDP in 2008 aims to challenge companies to develop inclusive business models. Companies need to be good employers and they need to minimise their environmental footprint. To contribute in achieving the SDGs, companies need to act on the economic, social, and environmental strands of sustainability.

❝I would like youth everywhere to be able to express their opinions.❞

Finally, Could you please tell us why you are passionate about achieving the SDGs?

Helen Clark: If the SDGs are achieved, the world will be a better place. Poverty would be eradicated. People would have access to what is needed for a decent life – including having enough income, and access to education, health services, and housing. Climate action would see the Paris Agreement on Climate Change implemented. Governance would be inclusive and responsive. People’s basic rights would be upheld.

Ms. Helen Clark Former Administrator of UNDP and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

Helen Clark became the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme on 17 April 2009, and was the first woman to lead the organization until she stepped down in 2017. She was also the Chair of the United Nations Development Group, a committee consisting of the heads of all UN funds, programmes and departments working on development issues. Prior to her appointment with UNDP, Helen Clark served for nine years as Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving three successive terms from 1999 - 2008. Throughout her tenure as Prime Minister, Helen Clark engaged widely in policy development and advocacy across the international, economic, social and cultural spheres. Under her leadership, New Zealand achieved significant economic growth, low levels of unemployment, and high levels of investment in education and health, and in the well-being of families and older citizens. Helen Clark advocated strongly for New Zealand’s comprehensive programme on sustainability and for tackling the problems of climate change. Helen Clark held ministerial responsibility during her nine years as Prime Minister for New Zealand’s intelligence agencies and for the portfolio of arts, culture and heritage. Helen Clark came to the role of Prime Minister after an extensive parliamentary and ministerial career. First elected to Parliament in 1981, Helen Clark was re-elected to her multicultural Auckland constituency for the tenth time in November 2008. Earlier in her career, she chaired Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Between 1987 and 1990, she was a Minister responsible for first, the portfolios of Conservation and Housing, and then Health and Labour. She was Deputy Prime Minister between August 1989 and November 1990. From that date until December 1993 she served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and then as Leader of the Opposition until winning the election in November 1999.

Interviewed in Tokyo, Japan in 23rd May

Interviewer：Cosmo Takagi (Japan) Edited：Hitomi Shimizu, Saki Kanamori(Japan) Posted on the Website：Megumi Wada (Japan)