PRESS RELEASE

UN Secretary-General António Guterres announces Prime Minister
of Spain as new Co-Chair of SDG Advocates group

NEW YORK, 15 July 2026–Amidst the growing number of development crises facing the world, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group alongside Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.

“The Sustainable Development Goals are at risk of slipping out of reach. Our mission is clear: to accelerate progress at scale and speed. I welcome Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joining Prime Minister Mia Mottley to strengthen advocacy and drive the urgent action needed to deliver the SDGs,” said UN Secretary-General Guterres.

With less than five years to go, the world has a critical opportunity to advance progress and deliver on the promise of the SDGs.

“The 2030 Agenda is the roadmap that enables us to tackle the major challenges of our time and contribute to shared global development. As Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, I am committed to continuing to work to ensure that the implementation of the 2030 Agenda translates into opportunities, well-being, and prosperity for all people, leaving no one behind, while caring for our planet for present and future generations. We need to accelerate action and appeal to our collective responsibility to move forward. The Decade of Action is not lost—it is in our hands, and we must act,” said Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain.

Prime Minister Sánchez is a dynamic leader on critical issues, including financing for development, education, equality and climate action. Under his leadership, the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development was successfully held in Seville, Spain in 2025, resulting in a global action plan, the Sevilla Commitment.

The SDG Advocates are influential leaders who support the Secretary-General in raising global ambition and action to keep the promise of the SDGs.

The Secretary-General has thanked previous Co-Chair, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados will continue her role as Co-Chair alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. She was appointed in 2022.

SDG Advocates

Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados (Co-Chair)

Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar

Massimo Bottura, Chef Patron, Osteria Francescana; Founder, Food for Soul; UNEP Goodwill Ambassador

Diane von Furstenberg, Fashion designer, philanthropist and author

Monica Geingos, Executive Chairperson, One Economy Foundation and Chancellor of Kepler University

Hindou Ibrahim, Activist for Climate Action and Indigenous Rights

Muniba Mazari, Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion

Graça Machel, Founder and Chair of the Board, Graça Machel Trust

Dia Mirza, Actor, UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador

Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University

Lily Singh, Award-Winning Entertainer and Founder, Unicorn Island Fund

Brad Smith, President, Microsoft Corporation

Masai Ujiri, President of Dallas Mavericks and Founder of Giants of Africa

Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani and Founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees

Social Media

Please follow @SDGAdvocates for information and updates using hashtag #SDGs and #GlobalGoals

Media Contacts

Francyne Harrigan

Chief of Service, Global Advocacy & Outreach
United Nations Office for Partnerships
E: [email protected]

Elvira Palomo
Office of the Prime Minister of Spain
E: [email protected]