Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the handover ceremony of the Chairmanship of “Group of 77” developing countries and China today, in New York:

It is a great pleasure for me to be here with you today.

Each year has its own special significance as we work together to secure a better future for hundreds of millions of people around the world.

But as I said to the General Assembly earlier this afternoon, 2015 can be a turning point in serving “We the Peoples”, as we lay the foundations for a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable path to growth and prosperity.

I thank His Excellency President [Evo] Morales of the Plurinational State of Bolivia for his strong leadership in shaping the post-2015 development agenda and in chairing this very important Group of 77 and China. During my visit last year, I witnessed Bolivia’s strong commitment to forging consensus and spurring progress on these issues.

I also thank all members of the Group for your engagement, which has brought great ambition to the ongoing discussions, and for your part in charting a way forward on financing for development, and on climate change. I congratulate the Republic of South Africa on assuming the Chairmanship of this Group; you bring a wealth of experience, Mr. Chairman, at a very important moment.

This year will see three crucial meetings that will provide an unprecedented opportunity to define new goals and strategies, to agree on financing for development, and to decide measures to control human-induced climate change.

The post-2015 sustainable development agenda must be both universal and adaptable to the unique context of each country. It must be based firmly on human rights, and it should integrate the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. It must have poverty eradication as its most urgent priority, and it must leave no one behind, addressing all forms of inequality, insecurity and injustice.

Everyone has an essential role to play in this transformation. The G-77 and China has a proud history of advocating for development that is fair, lasting and equitable. I count on your support to engage civil society, the corporate sector, the scientific and academic communities, local parliamentarians, regional organizations and other global institutions in our discussions.

But let us be under no illusions. Launching this agenda will require a fundamental shift in mind-set and attitudes, from policymaking to the legal and institutional dimensions; from stakeholder engagement to political leadership. I appeal to everyone here today to have the courage of your convictions and be the prime movers of this change. Together, we can end poverty in our time.

This agenda must be accompanied by an equally strong and lasting agreement on the resources, technology and global partnership needed for implementation. The Financing for Development conference in July in Addis Ababa will be a test of leadership. A strong outcome will pave the way for the significant commitments we must all make this year towards a road to dignity by 2030.

The United Nations will continue to support the sustainable development agenda to 2030. The Organization itself will need to be fit for purpose and make our own transformative change, if we are to become more responsive, coherent and coordinated in our support. I assure you that the entire UN system is committed to supporting countries in implementing the new agenda. Your input will continue to be critical.

Together we are determined and ready to launch an era of hope, prosperity and sustainability for people and for planet Earth. Let us seize this moment.