Urgent Action Required to Get SDGs Back on Track
Government, civil society, and private sector partners convened in New York on Monday by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to address the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track.
The ambitious set of objectives agreed in 2015 for people and the planet have been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating global crises.
Mid-Point Assessment at High-Level Political Forum
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the world has undergone significant changes, and progress toward the SDGs is falling behind due to financial, energy, food, and humanitarian setbacks exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.
The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the HLPF, takes place at the mid-point in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda.
Focusing on ways to accelerate the global recovery, will set the grounds for the crucial SDG Summit scheduled for September 2023.
Identifying Key Policy Priorities
Addressing the HLPF’s opening session, Ms. Lachezara Stoeva, Bulgaria’s representative to the UN and current President of ECOSOC, described this annual HLPF as
“the opportunity to build political momentum for the Summit, as well as identify key policy priorities to be addressed.”
The Forum will base its work on two key documents: the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report and the Special Edition of the Secretary-General’s SDG Progress Report.
In-Depth Review of Five Goals
The Forum will conduct in-depth reviews of several Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).
The sessions will explore the interconnectedness of these goals and assess their implementation. Furthermore, special attention will be given to addressing the needs of countries facing specific challenges, such as small island development states and African countries.
A special effort will be made to include the voices of youth in the discussions, recognizing their wisdom, energy, and dedication in tackling the challenges at hand.
Importance of Voluntary National Reviews
Solid data from countries is crucial for tracking the progress of the SDGs. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) prepared by individual states play a vital role in the implementation, review, and follow-up of the SDGs.
“These reports reflect the pulse of the 2030 Agenda. Each year they highlight progress, challenges, and obstacles in implementing the Agenda,”
said the ECOSOC President.
During the Forum, representatives from 39 countries will present their VNRs, providing valuable insights into their progress.
Notably, the European Union will present its report for the first time, marking a significant milestone for both the EU and the HLPF.
Accelerated Implementation of the 2030 Agenda
Over the ten days of the Forum, featuring more than 200 official meetings and side events, participants will delve into the accelerated implementation of the 2030 Agenda across all aspects.
“This is the objective of our deliberations this year, and we must not lose sight of it,”
encouraged Ms. Stoeva, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the goal.
The global gathering in New York reflects a collective determination to overcome challenges and reinvigorate efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of people and the planet.
In Conclusion
The High-Level Political Forum in New York talked about the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how we can make sure they stay on track.
Despite setbacks caused by COVID-19 and other challenges, the discussions emphasized key areas of focus and the interconnectedness of goals. Additionally, they emphasized the crucial role of youth engagement.
Countries shared their progress reports to help us see what’s working and what’s not. The forum ended with a call to speed up progress and work together for a better future where everyone can thrive.
Sources: THX News & United Nations.
