High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development - Part 3

World leaders shared their unique perspectives, visions and challenges in moving forward on the next decade to implement the 2030 Agenda and eradicate poverty, ensure food security and manage planet resources sustainably, as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development concluded today.

In five dialogues held throughout the day and focusing from areas needing acceleration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to the initiatives of local governments in implementing the global plan, Heads of State and Government stressed the need to build partnerships to boost progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. They emphasized that development results are best achieved when national and local plans are fully aligned. The Forum opened on 24 September when it approved a political declaration and held the first of its dialogues. (See Press Release GA/12185.)

Addressing the Forum, the President of Egypt today stressed that global economic, social, humanitarian, political and security challenges are all intertwined, which confirms that “the fate of humanity is a common one”. Increasing the ability of national institutions and supporting human capabilities to address these obstacles are as critical as ever.

“In response to the sharp decline in external financing, we have had to undertake urgent policy reforms to fund national programmes,” said Sierra Leone’s President, also adding: “We are also making business‑friendly reforms to expand private capital investment.”

The President of Kenya said his Administration has made provisions to provide free sanitary napkins to all girls in school to boost attendance and empower them in deciding their own futures.

The Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines said that the recent hurricane in the Bahamas demonstrates the risk facing small island developing States. “Look, disasters await us,” he warned, stressing that small islands face extreme vulnerabilities, which continue to severely hinder their progress. He urged “a handful of powerful States” to stop weaponizing trade and called for the delivery of official development assistance (ODA) for this group of countries.

The Minister for Defence of Ireland said his country is committed to contributing 0.7 per cent of its gross national income for ODA. Countries who have contributed the least of the problems to the world but are facing the bulk of the negative effects require extra assistance, he reiterated.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister said his nation is faced with the challenge of recurring debt and is also the world’s only example to attain a significant reduction in public debt without forgiveness. As a small island developing State, Jamaica remains extremely vulnerable to external shocks, particularly natural hazards, which could erode the country’s achievements in a matter of hours.

The President of Palau said ownership is necessary to achieve localization of the 2030 Agenda. While dialogue with local leaders helps identify local priorities, gaps and successes, adapting the 2030 Agenda framework into local programmes is still challenging as data remains inadequate and insufficient to effectively advance decision-making.

The Prime Minister of Bhutan said his country’s Constitution demands that the Government provide health care and education to all its citizens. “I am so happy to report that, last June, we managed to make teaching the most highly paid profession in the country,” he stressed, expressing hope that this will draw more people to this profession and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In closing remarks, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General said the voices heard today remind participants of the boundless potential that can materialize when people unite and work together towards one goal. All countries are affected by poverty and climate change, she said, noting the wide recognition that “we are off track” and accelerated action is needed. “We can still achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” she emphasized.

The President of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly said that the commitments made by world leaders this week are only the beginning. Commending the pledges of Governments and the private sector, he said that the Sustainable Development Goals are about ensuring that people everywhere have an opportunity to thrive. “We must therefore continue to take inclusive actions,” he emphasized, calling the political declaration a recommitment by all Member States to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The high-level political forum also heard from United Nations agencies, the private sector, civil society and youth voices.

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MEETINGS COVERAGE AND PRESS RELEASES

Leaders Dialogue 5: Partnerships for Sustainable Development
For list of speakers please see:
SDG SUMMIT 2019

Leaders Dialogue 6: The 2020-2030 Vision
For list of speakers please see:
SDG SUMMIT 2019

Plenary
For list of speakers please see:
SDG SUMMIT 2019

Closing Segment