Highlights and images for 19 July 2023

As we head toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September, we should all reflect on and take away the inspiring ideas from the 2023 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and build on its momentum. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides the framework, but we collectively need to do much more to achieve the Goals. These were the takeaway messages from the closing of the 2023 HLPF.

The HLPF’s Ministerial Segment continued its general debate on building momentum to the September 2023 SDG Summit, while a parallel session considered the presentation and discussion of a first-ever voluntary review from the European Union and a dozen second Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). An intergenerational dialogue was also held on leveraging skills and investment to achieve the SDGs.

Voluntary National Reviews

A high-powered “Team Europe” delegation comprising two EU commissioners, presidents of the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Committee of the Regions, Spain’s State Secretary for International Cooperation, and a member of the European parliament, jointly presented the first-ever supranational voluntary review at the HLPF.

Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, Ireland, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Slovakia, Turkmenistan, Fiji, and Portugal presented their second VNRs.

General Debate: Building Momentum Towards the SDG Summit

On Wednesday afternoon, the general debate featured 34 statements, including by four ministers. In addition to describing national and local progress on the SDGs, many once again noted the setbacks they face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflict, and debt. While they noted the current state of implementation provides little reason for optimism, everyone agreed the upcoming SDG Summit needs to mark a turning point and a political commitment to multilateralism and action to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda for people and planet.

Many supported a SDG Summit that builds much-needed momentum as we move to the second half of the 2030 Agenda. The Summit must translate the SDGs from aspiration to reality, yet, as one speaker noted, we cannot tackle today’s crises with yesterday’s mandates. Many called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, along with global solidarity and financing, to ensure no one is left behind.

Closing of the HLPF

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, reflected on highlights of the 2023 HLPF and praised its exchange of ideas. He cautioned that with only seven years left before the 2030 deadline to achieve the SDGs, “a major course correction is needed.” He called on everyone to reflect on HLPF discussion and come to the Summit ready to take the actions needed to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. “The world is counting on us to act. Let’s act now, and we must act together.”

Calling HLPF 2023 “very intensive” and “highly productive,” UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) President Lachezara Stoeva (Bulgaria) attributed its success to its participants and urged them to bring ambition to the SDG Summit. “The 2030 Agenda is the right framework,” she concluded, “but collectively we need to do much more to achieve the Goals.” She urged all to “have an honest conversation on what is needed."

Ending on a note of optimism, delegates were treated to a performance by 'Sing for Hope', a children’s singing group from New York City. Stoeva gaveled the HLPF to a close at 5:59 pm.