Key Takeaways
- Bold Policies Needed: To address global challenges like poverty and climate change.
- Inclusive Participation: Emphasis on youth and marginalized groups in achieving sustainable development.
- Urgent Action: Less than one-fifth of the SDGs are on track, highlighting the need for immediate action.
In a powerful call to action at the opening of the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for strong commitment and investments to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline.
Key Highlights from the Forum
- Transformative Actions Required: Amina Mohammed addressed the delegates at the UN Headquarters in New York, urging for bold policies to tackle significant global issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and climate change.
- Theme for 2024: Under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), this year’s theme focuses on eradicating poverty through sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions amidst various crises.
What’s on the Agenda?
The Forum, running through July 17, will review progress towards several key SDGs:
- Goal 1: Ending poverty
- Goal 2: Zero hunger
- Goal 13: Climate action
- Goal 16: Peaceful and inclusive societies
- Goal 17: Strengthening means of implementation
Several side events and exhibitions are organized alongside the Forum, including Voluntary National Review (VNR) Labs where countries report their progress and challenges in achieving the SDGs.
Focused Discussions
Paula Narváez, President of ECOSOC, also addressed the Forum, highlighting:
- Challenges in Developing Countries: Especially those in conflict-affected areas, stressing the need for peace and stability.
- Local and Regional Actions: Insights from regional forums and key intergovernmental discussions.
- Presentations: 37 countries will present their VNRs, sharing their transformative actions and initiatives.
Reflecting and Finding Solutions
Ms. Mohammed emphasized the importance of reflecting on how to make progress towards the 2030 Agenda. She highlighted:
- Summit of the Future: A crucial event to rebuild trust and showcase international cooperation.
- SDG Acceleration Event: Scheduled for next Monday, focusing on specific investments and showcasing country-level actions.
Urgent Call to Action
In her remarks, the Deputy Secretary-General stressed the need to address the multifaceted challenges facing the global community, including poverty, climate change, war, and gender-based violence. She pointed out the alarming fact that less than one-fifth of the SDGs are on track.
“But it is also fixable,” she stated. “This Forum is about finding the solutions and the political will to turn our words into actions that impact the lives of billions.”
Conclusion
Amina Mohammed concluded her speech with a message of hope and determination:
“Your presence, energy, and ambition tell me that, although the greatest challenges before us are daunting, together we can overcome them and achieve the peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future that all people not only need but deserve.”
