The Pacific Islands association of non government organisations says world leaders must be more inclusive if the United Nations new development agenda is to work.
At the weekend the UN unveiled its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which lays out 17 goals to be achieved over the next 15 years.
PIANGO's Emele Duituturaga says to make it work what is needed are concrete commitments to engage with civil society.
Emele Duituturaga. Photo: supplied
She says there needs to be more engagement with women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, rural and maritime communities and other vulnerable and marginalised groups who have traditionally been left behind.
Ms Duituturaga says people and not profit must be front and centre of the new agenda which has human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability and economic justice at its core.