United Nations: Amid growing nationalism and economic constraints, the Economic and Social Council emphasized the necessity of global solidarity to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development during its high-level segment opening. With only five years left to achieve these goals, progress remains inconsistent, and in many sectors, significantly behind schedule.
According to EMM, the segment includes a three-day ministerial meeting of the High-level Political Forum, convening under the theme of advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bob Rae, President of the 54-member Council, urged nations not to abandon their ideals but to reinforce their commitments to one another, recalling the international unity that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda a decade ago.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted recent collaborative achievements, such as the Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly and commitments to marine protection at the UN Ocean Conference. He stressed the need for immediate actions, including a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access, and resolutions to ongoing conflicts in Iran, Israel, Ukraine, and Sudan.
The outlook for the SDGs is grim, with only 35% of targets on track. Guterres noted that the global economy is slowing, trade tensions are rising, and inequalities are increasing, all while aid budgets decline and military spending grows. He called for cooperation and a focus on science and evidence-based solutions as essential to translating aspirations into action.
Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, underscored the importance of harnessing data and technology, especially from marginalized communities, to guide these efforts. He emphasized the role of voluntary national reviews in demonstrating commitment and progress towards the 2030 Agenda, urging nations to use the Forum to renew their dedication to solidarity and inclusivity.
Youth representative Carolina Rojas called for systemic reform, advocating for mandated and resourced youth co-leadership in UN processes, emphasizing the need for inclusive workforce plans and gender equality investments. She highlighted the necessity of funding grassroots and youth-led initiatives, which are often under-supported.
Government leaders shared their progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo acknowledged his country’s leading position but stressed the need for continued work and multilateralism. Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja highlighted localized SDG efforts, while ASEAN focused on rural development and disaster risk reduction.
As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, leaders like Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Muhammed Ali Tamim see it as a chance to reassess the organization’s global role, emphasizing that development is a right, not a privilege. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar echoed similar sentiments, calling for debt relief to support SDG financing.
Regional leaders, including those from CARICOM and Pacific small island states, stressed the importance of sustainable ocean management and international partnerships to support the SDGs. Health issues, such as tuberculosis, were also highlighted, with calls for increased commitment and financing.
Representatives of least developed countries, including Nepal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pointed out the continued economic vulnerabilities and the need for investment in resilient sectors. The Eurasian Economic Union emphasized regional economic integration as a path to achieving the SDGs.
Lastly, the importance of justice in development was underscored by the Dominican Republic’s Vice Minister Luis Madera, who highlighted the economic costs of not investing in justice and its impact on poverty and inequality. The Forum is a crucial platform for recommitting to these global goals and ensuring no one is left behind.