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L-R: Joop Theunissen, UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA); Marc-André Dorel, DESA; Antonia Wulff, Co-Moderator; Workers and Trade Unions Major Group; Jordan Ann Chiara, DESA; Yaryna Shura, DESA; Dan Perell, Co-Moderator, Baha'i International Community and NGO Major Group; and Gwilym Roberts-Harry, DESA Highlights Key obstacles to achieving the SDGs include imbalance between public and private funding, lack of systemic thinking in governance and policy making, and insufficient support for grassroots CSOs. The reform of High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) should realize effective dialogue between CSOs and governments and create better opportunities to provide input. The UN and governments should provide more resources to grassroots organizations and consider CSOs and local organizations as partners, not beneficiaries. Organized by the Major Groups and other Stakeholders coordination mechanism, the Civil Society SDGs Forum provided an opportunity for dialogue between civil society and UN Member States, international organizations, and other stakeholders, to discuss possible responses to the challenges uncovered during the first four years of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Opening the Forum, co-moderator Antonia Wulff, Education International, Workers and Trade Unions Major Group, mentioned that the structural side of SDG implementation is not reflected enough in the governmental discussions. Co-moderator Dan Perell, Baha’I International Community, NGO Major Group, said knowledge and data are no longer the limiting factors, the missing ingredient is political will. Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, noted that the SDG Summit outcome declaration highlights the role of partnerships among all stakeholders, observing that success will be measured also in the way in which the SDG implementation reaches and benefits the poorest, most vulnerable, and most marginalized segments of the population. Spatolisano concluded by emphasizing that CSO cooperation is proving its dynamism at a time when multilateralism is under attack. Systemic Analysis for the Current State of Implementation Emilia Luisa Reyes, Equidad de Genero, Women’s Major Group, highlighted the global imbalance between public and private capital, noting that far more private capital is being invested in fossil fuel production than public funding made available to the Green Climate Fund, and that women’s and feminist organizations receive only 1% of funding even though women subsidize the global economy with billions of dollars. Noting that these issues transcend national boundaries and negotiating groups, she encouraged participants to think more collectively. Gemma Santana, Director of 2030 Agenda, Office of the Presidency of Mexico, provided lessons learned from efforts to align national priorities and policy making with the SDGs, including: addressing issues as a system rather than its parts; moving from hierarchies to networks for implementation; recognizing that linear solutions are inadequate to address non-linear processes; and mapping systemic linkages between the SDGs. Roseline Kihumba, Helpage International, listed obstacles to improved inclusion of underprivileged groups, including: unequal representation and participation in decision making; discrimination and harassment, such as mandatory retirement ages and limits to medical insurance; ignoring demographic trends and their consequences for policies; lack of data disaggregated by gender, age, and abilities; lack of an integrated human life-cycle approach to decision making; and lack of high-level commitment to inclusion, equity, and equality. Participants underscored the calls for more investment by the private sector, systemic governance, inclusion, and combatting discrimination. They identified additional obstacles, including overstretched international institutions, insufficient participation, and continued work in silos. Several emphasized the need to empower women and girls and to guaranteeing girls’ reproductive health and rights as cornerstones of progress. Others noted difficulties for grassroots organizations to access funding, calling for a reorganization of global funding streams, with some stressing the need to engage regional and local governments and organizations. Key Proposals to Unlock Progress Annie Namala, People’s Assembly, highlighted the shrinking space for CSOs both at the UN and in countries. She called for making the SDG review process a peer-review process and strengthening the HLPF and the voluntary national reviews (VNR) processes. She identified key areas where governments should act in partnership with civil society: discrimination; disaggregated data, especially on vulnerable communities; and a people-centered approach to development. Maria Auma, Major Group for Children and Youth, said the failure to curb climate change and implement the SDGs is a crime against humanity. She called for acting now to save the planet’s ecosystems and for reforming the SDG follow-up framework to include major groups and other stakeholders at all levels of the review process. Adding that for “every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” she said that the more governments disregard young people’s rights, the more they will rise up. Participants discussed, among other issues, the need for: governments to engage with civil society and other stakeholders in the UN fora, such as the CSO Forum; civil society to practice itself what it preaches to governments; finding ways of measuring progress that go beyond GDP and numbers to assess the improvement in people’s lives; progressive taxation and macroprudential regulation; binding legal agreements on corporations and human rights; and including and supporting the participation of indigenous peoples in the SDG implementation and civil society mechanisms. Other participants: cautioned that youth now have more access to violence than they have to education; highlighted the importance of volunteerism for SDG implementation; and called for including youth civil society organizations more prominently in the civil society forums and discussions. Institutional arrangements that can facilitate implementation Tove Maria Ryding, Civil Society Finance for Development (FfD) Group, stressed the need to ensure that civil society holds governments accountable for their commitments annually, starting from the national level. She advised civil society participants to push for legally binding agreements that include rights and rules under the UN, explaining that the role of the UN is to facilitate international negotiations and not flurry speeches. She warned participants not to let the new narrative on the multilateral crisis serve as excuse for governments not to deliver on their commitments. Cristina Gallach, High Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda, Spain, said the country established a Sustainable Development Council that includes representatives of civil society, the business sector, trade unions, and other stakeholders. The Council represents an effective mechanism for dialogue between the Spanish government and civil society on SDG implementation, Gallach noted, as the 50 members of the Council are further engaging and representing their networks. Joan Carling, Indigenous Peoples Major Group, said the HLPF needs to: become more substantive and discuss issues related to the structural barriers that prevent progress on the SDGs; create more space for equitable and inclusive participation, especially for rights-holders and those most left behind; focus more on policy coherence; strengthen coordination between national, regional, thematic, and global processes; and have an action-oriented outcome instead of a ministerial declaration, to reflect the discussions actually taking place at the HLPF. Mohammed Loutfy, Persons with Disabilities Stakeholder Group, recommended that the review of HLPF: stress the role of global processes to enhance follow-up steps; emphasize interlinkages; enhance effective dialogue between CSO and governments; and allocate resource to enable CSOs to participate in VNRs. One participant asked to clarify how CSO inputs are integrated in the HLPF Ministerial Declaration, with another suggesting that future CSO forums be held prior to HLPF to provide input. Participants also noted that marginalization cannot be addressed through established institutions and proposed realizing proportionate representation of marginalized groups at the HLPF. They also requested that CSOs should be full participants, rather than observers. Reflecting on the discussions, Micah Grzywnowicz, for the LGBTI Stakeholder Group, lamented the lack of action on leaving no one behind, while encouraging CSOs to help identifying groups being left behind. José Viera, for the Persons with Disabilities Major Group, encouraged CSOs to question themselves and determine what they want to do and what they are willing to undertake to change structural issues in participation. Frances Zainoeddin, for the Stakeholder Group on Ageing, lauded the successes of CSOs in supporting vulnerable people. Noting that CSOs are not only watchdogs, but also partners, she said they should be proud of what they are doing.  IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) meeting coverage, provided web coverage from the CSO Forum. Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. View of the CSO Forum pleanary session Antonia Wulff, Co-Moderator, Workers and Trade Unions Major Group Dan Perell, Co-Moderator, Baha'i International Community and NGO Major Group Maria- Francesca Spatolisano, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, DESA Roseline Kihumba, Helpage International and Stakeholder Group on Ageing Emilia Luisa Reyes, Equidad de Genero and Women's Major Group Gemma Santana, Director of the 2030 Agenda, Office of the Presidency, Mexico Stirling Dean, United Institutions Buky Williams, ENERGIA and Women's Major Group Annie Namala, Peoples Assembly Maria Auma, Children and Youth Major Group Felipe Urbas Sinópoli, (on screen) making an intervention on behalf of the Children and Youth Major Group Roberto Suárez Santos, International Organisation of Employees Chanta Umuhoza, SPECTRA Young Feminist Tove Maria Ryding, Eurodad Joan Carling, Tebtebba and Indigenous Peoples Major Group Cristina Gallach, High Commissioner for the 2030 Agenda, Spain Jennifer Zhang, Columbia University Mohammed Loutfy, Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities Jose Viera, World Blind Union Micah Grzywnowicz, Stakeholder Group of LGBTI Frances Zainoeddin, Stakeholder Group on Ageing

Highlights for Monday, 13 May 2019 Mami Mizutori, SRSG for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sameh N. Wahba, World Bank Group, and Asako Okai, ASG, UNDP The Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2019 (GP2019) began preparatory events on Monday, ahead of the forthcoming high-level meeting from 15 – 17 May in Geneva, Switzerland. Many forums and side events took place in and around the main conference venue of the CICG, organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and partners including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), universities, and other international organizations.One of the preparatory events leading up to GP2019 was Fourth World Reconstruction Conference (WRC-4). The two-day conference, which opened Monday at the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG), highlighted inclusivity as a centerpiece of national DRR frameworks. Speakers noted that there are many entry points to begin protecting vulnerable populations from disasters, and cited examples such as giving support to NGOs or care workers, and identifying who is vulnerable before a disaster occurs.Another two-day preparatory event for GP2019 was the Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Conference (MHEWS-II), which took place near the conference venue, at the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The conference drew attention to the need for a multi-hazard approach in light of the anticipated impacts of climate change, and participants discussed progress on technology and partnerships to reach people in “the last mile” through MHEWS.A third event in preparation for GP2019 was the Science and Policy Forum at the nearby UN Headquarters, the Palais des Nations. The Forum brought together academics and policymakers from the disaster risk reduction (DRR) community. They discussed the need to reach audiences beyond the DRR community, expand the traditional scope of academic research to work closely with local communities, and improve the governance of risk through adopting deliberative approaches.Other events associated with GP2019 preparations on Monday included the Fourth Meeting of the Small Island States Resilience Initiative (SISRI) Practitioners’ Network at WMO, a stakeholder forum organized by UNDRR, and several consultations of regional groups. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page World Reconstruction Conference 4 Delegates take their seats as the opening session begins Asako Okai, ASG, UNDP; Carl Hallergard, Deputy Head of Delegation of EU in Geneva; Maria Luisa Silva, UNDP Delegates during the opening plenary Setsuko Saya, Cabinet Office, Japan; Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Goverment of Kerala, India; and Edward Ndopu, UNSG SDG Advocate and disability advocate Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Goverment of Kerala, India Swiss yodeling performance at the WRC4 opening ceremony Science and Policy Forum Mami Mizutori, SRSG for Disaster Risk Reduction and Flavia Schlegel, International Science Council (ISC) Special Envoy for Science in Global Policy Jacqueline McGlade, University College London and Maasai Mara University, Kenya, and Andrew Revkin, National Geographic Society Rajib Shaw, Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG); Annisa Triyanti, Global STAG; Qunli Han, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR); Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, National Resilience Council, Philippines; Chadi Abdallah, Arab STAG; Jörgen Sparf, Europe STAG; Hirokazu Tatano, Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes, and Mark Pelling, Global Challenges Research Fund Qunli Han, IRDR Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, National Resilience Council, and Chadi Abdallah, Arab STAG Launch of new journal, “Progress in Disaster Science,” at the Science-Policy Forum Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference Nicolas Bidault, World Food Programme (WFP) Martin Todd, University of Sussex; Prisca Chisala, Malawi Red Cross; Luca Dell'Oro, UNDDR; and Gabriela Guimaraes Nobre, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Pablo Suarez, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre Participants break out into small groups to debate priorities on impact-based forecasting. Madhad Uprety, Practical Action, Nepal; Brenda Lazarus, FAO; Helen Bye, Met Office, UK; and Ganjuur Sarantuya, National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring, Mongolia Petteri Talas, Secretary-General World Meteorological Organization (center) with participants from the Second Multi- Hazard Early Warning Conference

Highlights for Tuesday, 14 May 2019 On day two of preparatory events for the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019), participants met in various forums and events around the main venue of the International Conference Center Geneva (CICG). The Fourth World Reconstruction Conference (WRC4) at CICG, the second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Conference (MHEWS-II) at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the Science and Policy Forum at the Palais des Nations all entered their second and final day of discussions leading up to GP2019. WRC4 discussed the benefits of inclusion in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Participants called for including women and local communities in recovery efforts, not only as beneficiaries but also as key actors. Speakers from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, India, noted that the state’s efforts to include people with disabilities in its disaster risk reduction (DRR) program had successfully prevented fatalities among this group during the 2018 floods in the region. At MHEWS, panelists stressed the importance of making warnings clear and accessible so that recipients understand what action they should take. Speakers from Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Nepal described the benefits of Early Warning Systems, citing a return on investment (ROI) as high as 3:1 in terms of lives saved, losses avoided, and protection of agricultural productivity. The Science and Policy Forum highlighted the opportunities that technology provides for building resilient and inclusive societies, while cautioning that new technologies also create new vulnerabilities – for example, in pollution caused by the increase in e-waste from disposal of mobile phones, and an increased reliance on electronic security and payment systems, which can be disrupted by fires and floods. Other meetings associated with GP2019 on Tuesday were a local authorities’ meeting, an interactive session with parliamentarians, and several regional group and civil society consultations. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page World Reconstruction Conference 4 Hiba Qasas, UN Women, and Françoise Ghorayeb, UNFPA Participant during interventions Simione Bula, Australian Humanitarian Partnership Regional Coordinator; Sekhar L. Kuriakose, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority; and Dolores Devesi, Oxfam, Solomon Islands (L:R) Asif Saleh, BRAC International, Bangladesh; Alexandra Ocles, Minister of Disaster Risk Management, Ecuador; Maitreyi B. Das, World Bank Group; Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; and Fatou Sow Sarr, University of Dakar, Senegal Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan Fatou Sow Sarr, University of Dakar, Senegal Live survey capturing participants’ views on WRC4 (L:R) Amb. Léonard Emile Ognimba, African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States; Asako Okai, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Development Programme; Bernice Van Bronkhorst, World Bank Group; and Ricardo Mena, UNDRR Science and Policy Forum Ahmad Wani, One Concern; Vanessa Gray, International Telecommunication Union; and Alexander Siegmund, Heidelberg University Alexander Siegmund, Heidelberg University; Richard Hoad, QinetiQ, UK; and Osvaldo Moraes, National Center for Disaster Monitoring and Warning, Brazil Katja Samuel, Global Security and Disaster Management Ltd, moderated the session Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference (L:R) Denis Chang Seng, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC); Guillermo Navarro, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Chile; Pascal Peduzzi, UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Dwikorita Karnawati, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, Indonesia; Michel Jean, WMO; Delia Arnold, Aristotle ENHSP; Charlotte Norman, National Disaster Management Organisation, Ghana; and Bapon Fakhruddin, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Denis Chang Seng (centre), IOC Dwikorita Karnawati (centre), BMKG Indonesia Muhammad Riaz, Pakistan (L:R) Jean-Pierre Mpundu Elonga, State Hydrometeorological Administration (METTELSAT), DRC; Evan Thompson, WMO Jamaica; Donna Pierre, Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Secretariat; Laouan Magagi, Ministry of Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Risk Management, Niger; Colin McQuistan, Flood Resilience Alliance; and Daniel Kull, CREWS Secretariat Delegates during the session Around the Venue Delegates in the corridors Booths presenting a resilient home design challenge in the CICG exhibition area