‘Embed the essence of 2030 Agenda into everything,’ UN chief urges at close of Global Goals forum

As the eight-day High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) drew to a close on 18 July, the United Nations chief called on everyone to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for “prosperity and peace on a healthy planet.”

“We need to embed the essence of the 2030 Agenda into everything that we do,” said Secretary-General António Guterres.

The UN chief stated that the Forum has been a time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda, assess where we are and what needs to be done ahead. At the HLPF, More than a thousand government, business, and civil society leaders have been taking stock of progress made towards meeting the 2030 Global Goals, and what help countries need to accelerate progress.

Marking the end of the high-level ministerial segment on 18 July evening at UN Headquarters in New York, a detailed Ministerial Declaration was adopted, with 164 countries in favor, two against, and no abstentions. The declaration reaffirmed the support of countries which are working towards making the SDGs a reality. Last-minute debate on the declaration forced revisions and representatives from several national blocs and the Member States, voiced concerns over changes to the draft text, and specific paragraphs which proved controversial.

In his address, Mr. Guterres pointed to the pressing challenges of expanding conflicts and inequality; the erosion of human rights; an “unprecedented” global humanitarian crisis; and “persistent pockets” of poverty and hunger – while laying out pathways to move forward.

“Mobilize the transformative power of the world’s young people,” Mr. Guterres said, noting that a UN strategy to address that need, will be launched in September.

He underscored that greenhouse gas emissions must be brought under control, saying that there was a lack of political will to meet commitments and that he would convene a Climate Summit in September “to galvanize greater climate ambition.”

Moving to the crucial issue of funding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Secretary-General said a High-level Meeting on Financing the 2030 Agenda would also be taking place later in the year.

Mr. Guterres stressed that development is not only a conflict-prevention tool but fosters conditions for resilient societies and a peaceful world. “Multilateralism is the only way to tackle the complex, inter-connected and long-term challenges we are facing,” he told delegates to the forum.

The UN chief drew attention to the Global Compacts for Migration and on Refugees as central in addressing SDGs and expressed gratitude that States have embraced UN Development System reform to help Governments respond to the 2030 Agenda.

“Let us demonstrate through decisive actions that the transformation demanded by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is well and truly underway,” concluded the Secretary-General.

Original source: UN News
Published on 18 July 2018