New York: With just five years remaining to meet the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Economic and Social Council’s high-level segment commenced with a clarion call for global solidarity amid growing nationalism, shrinking national budgets, and trade disputes. Speakers at the event highlighted the uneven progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing the necessity for renewed international cooperation to address these challenges.
According to EMM, the segment, featuring a three-day ministerial meeting of the High-level Political Forum, is convened under the theme of advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. Bob Rae, President of the Council, emphasized the importance of doubling down on solidarity and meeting obligations to each other, recalling the adoption of the 2030 Agenda a decade ago.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored recent collaborative achievements, such as the Pandemic Agreement in Geneva and commitments to marine protection at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. He urged immediate actions for peace and humanitarian access in Gaza, Iran, Israel, Ukraine, and Sudan, emphasizing the SDGs as a plan to support vulnerable populations and future generations.
Only 35% of SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half progressing slowly and 18% regressing, Guterres reported. He highlighted global economic slowdowns, rising trade tensions, and growing inequalities, calling for long-term strategic thinking and cooperation to transform aspirations into actionable results. Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, echoed this sentiment, advocating for science and evidence-based solutions and voluntary national reviews to translate global commitments into national actions.
Youth voices were represented by Carolina Rojas, who demanded systemic reforms and co-leadership in UN processes, emphasizing the need for inclusive workforce plans and gender equality investments. Government leaders shared progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda, with Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja outlining national strategies for SDG localization.
The UN’s 80th anniversary was highlighted by Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Muhammed Ali Tamim as an opportunity to reassess its global role. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar called for debt relief to bridge financing gaps for SDG alignment. Calls for sustainable ocean management were made by Caribbean and Pacific representatives, emphasizing the ocean’s critical role in national identities and economies.
The forum also addressed health issues, with Indonesia’s Vice Minister Febrian Alfianto Ruddyard calling for increased commitment to combat tuberculosis. Least developed countries’ vulnerabilities were highlighted by Nepal’s Shiva Raj Adhikari, pointing to economic growth challenges. Regional economic integration was cited by Arzybek Kozhoshev as a key factor in achieving the SDGs.
Justice was recognized as crucial for development by Luis Madera, emphasizing that investing in legal systems is essential to prevent poverty, inequality, and social unrest. The high-level segment continues to explore these pressing issues, urging nations to recommit to the 2030 Agenda’s goals with renewed vigor and collaboration.