New York, Jan. 14 -- The President of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly on Monday set out his 2020 priorities, which aim to make the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality by the start of the next decade.

Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, spelled out that these encompass peace and security, quality education, zero hunger, climate action, poverty eradication, and inclusion."International peace and security is key to achieving the SDGs, as no development can happen in the absence of peace", he stated.Stressing the need to work harder, he spelled out: "If ever diplomacy should achieve its purpose, this is one urgent area it must show its face" - including in finding solutions to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Syria, Yemen, Libya ...