Latest news with #2030Agenda
Scoop
a day ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Forum Affirms Stronger Commitment To Achieve Sustainable Development
24 July 2025 At the end of the conference on Wednesday, Member States adopted a Ministerial Declaration by a vote of 154-2-2, with the United States and Israel voting against the document and Paraguay and Iran abstaining. 'We strongly reaffirm our commitment to effectively implement the 2030 Agenda [which]... remains our overarching roadmap for achieving sustainable development and overcoming the multiple crises we face,' the Declaration said. Junhua Li, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, commended Member States for adopting this declaration as a 'powerful reaffirmation of multilateral resolve.' 'Let us leave this HLPF with a renewed resolve, shared sense of possibility, and a reinvigorated sense of responsibility to lead the way forward,' he said. 15 years of HLPF The HLPF has happened on an annual basis since 2010 and is convened by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to discuss the progress, or lack thereof, on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda and aspire to create a more equitable and inclusive world. This year, the forum focused on five of these goals: good health and wellbeing, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, life below water and partnerships. Negotiations regarding the ministerial document were led by representatives from Czechia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who highlighted the significance of the proceedings. 'This year's deliberations have held particular significance. Ten years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, a range of interlinked and persistent challenges continues to jeopardise the full realisation of the SDGs,' said Jakub Kulhánek, permanent representative of Czechia and one of the two lead facilitators of the declaration. The clock is ticking In the ministerial declaration, Member States said that time is running out to achieve the SDGs, which remain severely off track. According to the Secretary-General's report on the Goals, which was released on the first day of the HLPF, only 18 per cent of the SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030, with over half making progress that is too slow. While the ministerial declaration addressed each of the five SDGs in the spotlight at the forum, Member States particularly emphasised the role of poverty in impeding sustainable development and the worsening climate crisis that is threatening all aspects of the development agenda. The declaration called both of these issues some of the 'greatest global challenges' that the world faces. In keeping with SDG 16, which underlines the role that institutions like governments must play in promoting peace, Member States also affirmed that strong governance and partnership is essential to realising peace as a prerequisite for development. 'We recognise that sustainable development cannot be realised without peace and security, and peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development,' it stated. Plan of Action In the midst of challenges to multilateralism, Member States said that the declaration was an affirmation of the UN's commitment to multilateralism, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. 'At a time when serious doubts about the future of multilateralism persist, your steadfast commitment has been both reassuring and inspiring,' said Mr. Kulhánek. Member States, in the declaration, affirmed a commitment to urgently working towards the SDGs in order to achieve a better world. 'We will act with urgency to realise its vision as a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership, leaving no one behind.'
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
LU joins Agenda 2030 with new cell for SDGs
Lucknow: Lucknow University has established a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cell which will be a dedicated unit focused on integrating the principles of the United Nations' SDGs into various aspects of university life. It will act as a central hub to promote awareness, research, and action related to sustainability in university-wide activities. "There is growing global expectation from institutions of higher learning to act as pivotal contributors in achieving the 17 SDGs outlined by the United Nations' 2030 Agenda," said dean academics Prof Geetanjali Mishra while adding, "The inclusion of sustainability in national (NIRF) and international rankings makes it imperative that we develop institutional mechanisms to align our academic, research, and outreach activities with these goals. "
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE's GEEP hosts global retreat to advance government collaboration at UN SDG forum - Middle East Business News and Information
First-of-its-kind initiative convenes global leaders at UN Headquarters to scale partnerships and accelerate SDG implementation through shared government expertise Dubai, New York, United Nations,July 2025: The Government Experience Exchange Programme GEEP, under the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, convened its first international retreat as part of the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum HLPF on Sustainable Development, organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at its headquarters in New York City. The first-of-its kind gathering reinforced the UAE's commitment to international partnerships, bringing together global stakeholders to expand strategic collaboration and share government best practices that drive progress on the 2030 Agenda. Held at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to United Nations, the session showcased the UAE's advanced model in government knowledge sharing and its effectiveness in promoting institutional excellence globally. It brought together senior representatives from governments, international organisations, and research institutions to explore multilateral and shared experiences that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants exchanged ideas on expanding partnerships across sectors to achieve measurable development outcomes, aligned with this year's HLPF theme: 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.' The session reflected the UAE's ongoing commitment to fostering government modernisation and using knowledge exchange to build more effective, sustainable, and resilient institutions. Abdulla Lootah: UAE Strengthens Global Partnerships for a Sustainable Future His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange and Chair of the National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, emphasised the UAE's expanding international partnerships to accelerate SDG implementation worldwide. He noted that GEEP represents one of the nation's key platforms for sharing best practices, driven by proactivity, innovation, and future-readiness. H.E Lootah highlighted that GEEP includes more than 100 work streams across key areas, including government excellence, services, accelerators, public policies, and competitiveness. He affirmed that hosting this inaugural international session reinforces the UAE's role in enabling international collaboration and directing knowledge exchange toward real impact on the 2030 UN Agenda, building a more sustainable future for all. Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development: The session facilitated robust dialogue between government representatives, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society, reinforcing collaboration to accelerate the implementation of 2030 SDGs and deliver tangible contributions to the outcomes of the 2025 HLPF. Three roundtable discussions were conducted centred on: Global Partnerships SDG17, Safety and Security SDG16, and Sustainable Environment SDG14. Topics included the role of knowledge exchange in accelerating sustainable development, the importance of international cooperation for crisis resilience, and approaches to environmental protection and green transition. The UAE delegation included leading experts, including Lt. Ahmed Al Zarouni, Director of International Police from the Ministry of Interior, and Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. UN High-Level Political Forum: The HLPF on Sustainable Development is the UN's central platform for reviewing and advancing SDGs. Established in 2012, the forum plays a pivotal role in monitoring national and international progress on the 2030 Agenda. Participating delegations at HLPF conduct assessments of progress toward the SDGs, with this year's forum featuring in-depth reviews of five priority goals: SDG3 ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages; SDG5 (achieving equality and empowering all women and girls; SDG8 promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; SDG14 conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development); and SDG17 strengthening and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development).
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister Hajdu represents Canada at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Français
NEW YORK, July 24, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, concluded a series of engagements at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City from July 21 to 23, 2025. The Forum is an opportunity for UN countries to gather and discuss progress made toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals are a collective call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and build a just, peaceful and inclusive world for all. Minister Hajdu presented Canada's National Statement on the SDGs, reaffirming our country's work towards international collaboration and in advancing the 2030 Agenda. Minister Hajdu emphasized our collective duty to work with national and international partners to drive meaningful change and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world, for the next generations. On July 22, Minister Hajdu participated in the High-Level Dialogue on Adequate Housing for All, alongside Bob Rae, Canada's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, in his capacity as President of the UN Economic and Social Council. This session highlighted Canada's focus on housing as a key strategy for reducing poverty, promoting equity, and fostering an inclusive society. On the Forum's final day, Minister Hajdu hosted Canada's official side event on inclusive and sustainable jobs. This event brought together diverse stakeholders to explore how digital education, disability inclusion, and private sector engagement can help build more inclusive economies. While at the UN, Minister Hajdu and Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection for the Republic of Moldova, also signed a Declaration of Intent to establish a Canada-Moldova Social Security Agreement. This marks a key step in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared goals of inclusion, equity and resilience. Canada is focused on advancing the 2030 Agenda both domestically and internationally. While the Government of Canada leads this initiative, partnerships with other orders of government, stakeholders, Indigenous Peoples, and the public are crucial for our collective success. Quotes "Amid global challenges, forums like the UN High Level Political Forum remind us that we are not alone, and we are stronger when we stand united. To create a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone in Canada, we are collaborating with reliable trading partners and allies around the world and championing efforts to advance the SDGs. The UN High Level Political Forum is strengthening international partnerships and securing the future for the next generations so that no one is left behind." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "As we approach 2030, Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the SDGs at home and abroad. Our engagement at the HLPF reflects our belief that global cooperation is necessary to accelerate action and help shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world for everyone." – Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development) Quick facts The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a 15-year global framework that was adopted by Canada and by all United Nations Member States in 2015. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call to action by all countries to address today's most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges through global partnership. This year's United Nations High-Level Political Forum focused on the following five goals: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The High-Level Political Forum serves as the main UN platform for Sustainable Development, playing a central role in the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level. Canada and the Sustainable Development Goals Moving forward together: Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How CMOs Can Help The UN Meet Its Sustainable Development Goals
Stacked cubes featuring the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Leonie Asendorpf/picture alliance via Getty Images In 2012, world leaders at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro began to discuss a set of universal goals that would meet the environmental, political and economic challenges of the modern world. In 2015, these goals were collected into 17 large themes to ensure development around the world. These goals make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the UN is making a push to accomplish them on time. Five years from the deadline, progress has been slow, to put it mildly. Last week the UN released its annual report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), finding that only 35% of targets are on track or making moderate progress. Close to half are moving too slowly, and 18% are actually trending in reverse. One way to raise awareness of the SDGs and get more people to work toward making them a reality is by increasing exposure. I've personally seen references to the SDGs in many places in just the last few months. For their end-of-the-year projects, students at my daughter's elementary school presented ways to raise awareness of one of the SDGs. (Her class selected Life Below Water, and my daughter now considers herself a fifth-grade expert on stopping water pollution.) And I recently toured the ruins of the lost city of Pompeii, where informative placards explained how the Romans who once lived there epitomized some of the SDGs even then, including Clean Water and Sanitation through their central public baths, as well as Peace, Justice And Strong Institutions by listening to other citizens at the Comitium, where public meetings took place. A sign indicating UN Sustainable Development Goals in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii © FAO / Giuseppe Carotenuto While education at schools and historical sites are helpful ways to share a message, there's a much more powerful and effective method in today's society: marketing. At Cannes Lions this year, the UN Global Compact presented a high-level report to tell CMOs how they can use their brands' voices to further the SDGs. Getting this messaging out there could represent a huge opportunity for brands. Harris Poll research commissioned by Google Cloud in 2022 found that 52% of consumers are interested in supporting sustainable brands, with two-thirds seeking out products that are environmentally friendly. More than half say they're willing to pay more for something sustainable. Today's Forbes CMO newsletter is taking a deep dive into the UN Global Compact's report, what it says, and how CMOs can use it to spotlight the good that their brands are doing—as well as encourage their companies to do more to reach these goals. After all, 90% of executives recognize the importance of sustainability, according to a report from Climate Champions. I spoke to Sue Allchurch, the UN Global Compact's chief of outreach and engagement, and its head of marketing Claudia Kirwald, about the report, its ramifications, and how the right kind of messaging can help your brand make a lasting impact. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS UN The UN's SDGs do have something to do with sustainability in the U.S. way of thinking, in which the term is usually associated with actions to protect and improve the environment. But these goals are actually much broader, and together aim to eliminate global poverty and hunger through accomplishing a set of economic, social and environmental norms. The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Growth says the overarching goal is 'to end poverty and hunger everywhere; to combat inequalities within and among countries; to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; to protect human rights and promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. We resolve also to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all, taking into account different levels of national development and capacities.' This is a huge agenda to attempt to accomplish in a generation, let alone 15 years. Allchurch told me that progress is not being made quickly enough. In just one aspect that is familiar to many in the U.S., the gender pay gap still sees men being paid 20% more than women—a gap that will take 152 years to close if the current rate of progress continues. UN Global Compact Chief of Outreach and Engagement Sue Allchurch. UN Global Compact 'We thought, okay, how do we really help speed up the process?' she said. 'We developed the Blueprint then in order to help the marketing community really partner and engage with sustainability.' The UN Global Compact teamed up with WFA and Kantar to research how brands were implementing sustainability messaging, and it uncovered clear barriers, Allchurch said. Long-term goals and short-term pressures were at odds, and some companies were looking at their internal sustainability goals as a box-checking measure rather than an opportunity to showcase a larger message to customers. The UN has worked with CEOs, CFOs, corporate legal staff and chief sustainability officers in pursuit of the goals. But CMOs are the ones with the best view on real business opportunities, Allchurch said. 'Putting them at the heart of a company's sustainability agenda can only help the sustainability team,' she said. CMOs can also help 'the finance team when they're looking for access to capital, driving return on some of these investments and looking for business opportunities. We want to make sure that we are rethinking growth.' HOW TO DO IT getty To develop the CMO Blueprint For Sustainable Growth, the UN Global Compact worked with a strategic working group of global CMOs, asking them about the areas where they saw an opportunity to make a difference. Their answers coalesced around five pillars: growth strategy; brand strategy; innovation; communications, advertising and media; and collaboration and partnerships. The report defines the pillars and provides examples of brands that have successfully highlighted each one in their marketing and strategy. Allchurch said this structure is important because the CMO's influence and participation in big strategic discussions varies from company to company. These are all areas in which any CMO could feel empowered to speak up and make a difference, Kirwald pointed out. In general, CMOs want to highlight how their brands are displaying the full range of their sustainability actions, as well as take advantage of opportunities to do more, Allchurch said. But they tend to get stymied when it comes to appropriate language, and they also don't know how far to go with initiatives: Will consumers think this is greenwashing and be turned off? 'Our goal with the CMO Blueprint is to actually enable them [to make progress] by giving them inspiration and case studies, but also tools for them to be able to actually get started, because there was a lot of intent,' Kirwald said. 'Our goal is: Let's get them from intent to action with some of the tools that are available.' EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS Zespri SunGold kiwifruits. Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The blueprint highlights two case studies from companies that have taken action based on each of the five pillars, breaking down the action, the impact and the payoff. 'A lot of the work in here is, look at CMOs who are really driving it: How it's affected their growth, their KPIs, their ultimate business results. And that's been a win for them,' Allchurch said. '...It's not just something over here that has to be done while I'm doing growth. Okay, I see how it can help me deliver my goals as well.' For example, under growth strategy, the blueprint talks about how companies can make sustainability a key part of their core business strategies—both to serve the business and potential consumers—and make storytelling about it central to a brand's narrative. One of the examples is New Zealand kiwi producer Zespri, which has embedded sustainability KPIs for its production and business growth plans, while guaranteeing fair returns to its growers. Key teams for Zespri's management are evaluated not just on financial results, but on contributions to health, social and environmental outcomes. A trio of beverages made with Diageo's Don 2021 Tribeca Festival The brand strategy pillar calls on CMOs to define the brand's purpose and see how it aligns with the SDGs, as well as translate larger corporate sustainability goals to brand-level commitments. The report highlights Diageo's commitment to water replenishment in Mexico through its Don Julio spirit brand. Diageo firmly positioned Don Julio around the mission of replenishing water in parched soils in Jalisco, both by working with specialists to design the brand and supply chain to preserve and replenish water as well as creating campaigns around the initiative highlighted by an art installation during Mexico City Art Week. The innovation pillar reminds CMOs to advocate for sustainability-focused products and initiatives in all areas, including packaging, supply chain and digital. An example is Brazilian cosmetics company Natura's Ekos Castanha Concentrated Moisturizer, to which consumers add water—leading to a smaller bottle using 81% less plastic, producing 55% less waste and cutting transportation emissions by 38%. Campaigns highlighted the moisturizer's effectiveness as well as how the purportedly inconvenient step of adding water actually enhances sustainability. Under communications, advertising and media, the blueprint urges educating everyone who works on the marketing team with information about sustainability—and not to forget ensuring that these activities also have sustainability footprints. One example looks at how cosmetics giant L'Oreal worked with experts to lower the carbon footprint of its digital advertising by cutting back on the energy it used to deliver online messages through steps like reduced image resolution and delivering campaigns at times in which renewable energy is more available. For collaboration and partnerships, the blueprint recommends brands work with partners who have the same goals, and try to add the SDGs to agreements with them. An example is MasterCard, which combined its own data with government statistics and housing and job data to create a 'Where to Settle' platform for Ukrainian refugees seeking new homes in Poland after their home country was invaded by Russia. The platform helped the refugees, but it also boosted MasterCard's favorability and usage intent by double digits. STAYING POWER Allchurch said that the UN's study shows that the SDGs can lead to benefits for all. They work well for brands when the SDGs are really baked into their bedrock purposes. Kirwald agreed. UN Global Compact head of marketing Claudia Kirwald. UN Global Compact 'They're aligning their core sustainability strategy at the core level clearly with their brand strategy, and they're backing it up with data, so it's really authentic and it builds trust. And I think trust is what we're seeing,' Kirwald said. 'The companies that have that high trust, then they're able to increase brand loyalty. They're able to increase revenue and preference.' And even though political powers may be pushing sustainability to the margins, that doesn't mean companies are—or should—be moving away from these metrics. Allchurch said that if the SDGs are truly core to a brand's business, its culture will shift. Despite any political pressure and deprioritization of sustainability goals from the Trump Administration, she said, studies have indicated companies are continuing with their goals. It makes sense; business commitments tend to be long term and not easily changed. In the U.S. in particular, Allchurch said, there's much more interest in the SDGs right now. Companies from around the world join the UN Global Compact by committing to implement the goals. She added that this year has seen the highest-ever number of companies from the U.S. Tech companies make up the largest proportion of signups, which Allchurch said shows that they're thinking about big issues like the massive amount of energy needed for generative AI. Kirwald said this also shows that, as far as companies are concerned, they're beyond the idealism and surface-level performative interest in the SDGs. 'Right now, it's the core: the strength of sustainability to really drive innovation, drive growth,' she said. 'And so I think what we're seeing in talking to companies is that's the focus: That real, true business case that actually is good for the planet and people, but clearly good for business as well. I think that's been strengthened because of some of the backlash that it has received.' COMINGS + GOINGS IT services provider Presidio appointed Tina McNulty as chief marketing officer. McNulty most recently worked as CMO at ScienceLogic, and has also held senior marketing roles at BitSight, Cisco and BMC. appointed as chief marketing officer. McNulty most recently worked as CMO at ScienceLogic, and has also held senior marketing roles at BitSight, Cisco and BMC. Defense contractor QinetiQ US hired Scott McGleish as chief growth officer, effective July 14. McGleish previously worked as president and general manager of Weibel Scientific North America, as well as Raytheon Technologies and Booz Allen Hamilton. hired as chief growth officer, effective July 14. McGleish previously worked as president and general manager of Weibel Scientific North America, as well as Raytheon Technologies and Booz Allen Hamilton. HR systems provider HiBob tapped Sophie Chesters to be its next chief marketing officer. Chesters joins the firm after having worked in senior leadership roles at Google, DoubleClick, Medallia and UserZoom. STRATEGIES + ADVICE Traditional leaders are the kind that you'd read about in a book from decades ago: In control and valuing a company's hierarchy and employee conformity. Times have changed, and many now look to the authentic leader, or someone grounded in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to leading with purpose and ethics. Here are some key differences between how the two perform on the job, and tips to help shift your leadership style. If you're looking for ways to increase your business success, you may not have to look farther than ChatGPT. Here are five prompts to get suggestions to do things differently—and maybe move to the next level. QUIZ What product announcement did beverage giant Coca-Cola make this week? A. It's launching a U.S.-made version of Coca-Cola with cane sugar B. It's partnering with Diageo on a new spirit flavored with Coca-Cola C. It's bringing back Honest Tea D. It's launching a canned Costa Coffee beverage in the U.S. See if you got it right here.
