New York: With a mere five years remaining to fulfill the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the path forward remains precarious. Amid shrinking national budgets, burgeoning nationalism, and trade-disrupting tariffs, leaders and experts voiced their concerns today at the commencement of the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council.
According to EMM, this segment includes a three-day ministerial meeting of the High-level Political Forum, which is being held under the theme of advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – focusing on leaving no one behind. Bob Rae, President of the 54-member Council, emphasized that now is the time to strengthen our commitments to each other, highlighting that unity was crucial a decade ago when the Agenda was adopted.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres remarked on recent global achievements when nations collaborated, such as the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement in Geneva and commitments to marine protection at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. He stressed the urgency of renewing collective promises to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
The Secretary-General pointed out the alarming reality that only 35% of SDG targets are on track. The global economy’s slowdown, rising trade tensions, and increasing inequalities are exacerbating the situation. Military expenditures are rising while aid budgets diminish, creating systemic barriers for women and girls, among other groups.
Philémon Yang of Cameroon emphasized the necessity of science and evidence-based solutions, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized communities to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The international community, he noted, has the tools and ambition to deliver on these commitments, urging the use of forums to recommit to shared goals.
Carolina Rojas, representing the Major Group for Children and Youth, highlighted the demands of today’s youth for systemic reform and co-leadership in UN processes. She stressed the importance of including migrant youth in workforce plans and investing in gender equality and grassroots initiatives.
Various government leaders shared their nation’s progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, acknowledging his country’s leading position in SDG implementation, emphasized the necessity of multilateralism. Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja detailed her country’s localized approach to SDGs through its national development plan.
Muhammed Ali Tamim of Iraq, speaking for the Group of 77 and China, called for a reassessment of the UN’s role during its 80th anniversary. He emphasized the adverse effects of the global economic slowdown on job creation in the Global South and underscored the importance of development as a right for all.
Several speakers highlighted key issues such as climate change, child development, and healthcare. Joyelle Clarke of Saint Kitts and Nevis, speaking for CARICOM, stressed the ocean’s significance for Caribbean countries and the need for international partnerships to achieve the SDGs. Febrian Alfianto Ruddyard of Indonesia called for increased financing to combat tuberculosis, a disease affecting millions.
Representatives from least developed countries and regions like the Eurasian Economic Union noted their vulnerabilities and progress. For instance, Nepal’s Shiva Raj Adhikari highlighted the slow economic growth in LDCs, while Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported economic recovery due to strengthened sectors.
Luis Madera of the Dominican Republic emphasized the importance of justice in development. He highlighted the economic costs of not investing in justice, which exacerbate poverty and inequality and undermine social cohesion.
These discussions underscore the critical need for global solidarity and cooperation to overcome current challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda.