World off track in meeting 2030 Agenda, UN deputy chief warns, calls for solidarity in COVID-19 recovery

The world was off track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, even before the COVID-19 crisis erupted, but can get back on course by increasing investment in public services, showing solidarity on financing, and “reshaping” how people work, learn, live and consume.

“We can turn this around if we stay true to the 2030 Agenda”, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, as she closed the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) – an annual stock-take of the world’s progress in reaching the SDGs, but “the road ahead is now even steeper”, she added.

After eight days of discussions, she said the message is clear on the need for solidarity and foresight on financing, and greater investments in social protection, health systems, education, water, sanitation, and digital connectivity.

Staying true to the 2030 Agenda also means reimagining the way people work, learn, live and consume, and listening to young people, who are demanding justice and equality. And it means investing in an inclusive, networked multilateralism, with the United Nations at the centre.

“If we do all of this – consciously, concertedly, cooperatively – we can build a better world, our shared destination,” she assured. All efforts must be made to step-up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. “As an international community, we must rise to the test of this pivotal moment.”

In the lead up to 2020 High-level Political Forum, SDG Acceleration Actions have seen a 35 percent increase in submissions and a 21 percent increase in published actions, just within the last two months, featuring a total of 182 bold commitments in concrete terms to advance the goals that have been made by national Governments and other stakeholders.

The Forum heard 47 countries present their Voluntary National Reviews (or VNRs), along with 150 speakers in the thematic sessions, including one Prime Minister and 31 ministerial officials, contributing online, representing all regions.

Original source: UN News
Published on 16 July 2020