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IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
UCT students make history at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Four UCT students at the UN Sustainable Development Forum. Image: UNPHOTO/Kiara Worth In a groundbreaking moment for youth representation in South African diplomacy, four University of Cape Town (UCT) students made history by representing their nation at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Taking place from 14-24 July at the UN Headquarters in New York, this significant event showcased the voices of youth as part of South Africa's official delegation—an unprecedented development in recent years. Suitably equipped with passion and a commitment to social responsiveness, the UCT delegation comprised Nico Pampier, Seabelo Mnisi, Zou Rwexwana, and Ben Gukelberger. The students participated through the United Nations Association of South Africa – UCT Chapter (UNASA-UCT), contributing to discussions centered on advancing science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's forum reviewed five pivotal SDGs: SDG 3: Good health and well-being Good health and well-being SDG 5: Gender equality Gender equality SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth Decent work and economic growth SDG 14: Life below water Life below water SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals The HLPF serves as a vital platform bringing together global policymakers, academics, ministers, and civil society to assess collective progress towards achieving these ambitious goals. This inclusion of young voices reflects a growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in addressing global challenges. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Mnisi, serving as the SDG education director, remarked on the transformative nature of the experience. 'The exposure to multilateral dialogue and international policymaking was profound,' he noted. 'Witnessing how different countries tackle development hurdles with innovative strategies has sharpened my understanding of how we can adapt such frameworks to serve South Africa's development goals.' Gukelberger, who took on the role of outreach director, emphasised the responsibility they bore in amplifying the voices of youth from the Global South. 'The most important part of my being at this forum was to echo the voices of students and youth that we work with now and in the future, at every event and interaction,' he expressed. Pampier, the executive chair, highlighted an urgent call to action for African countries. 'Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063 are roadmaps for African countries to see young people as catalysts for change. We cannot let this be just a stocktaking experience; we must learn from both positives and challenges and take bold actions upon our return.' The forum witnessed the participation of over 250 young delegates from across the globe, indicating a promising trend towards inclusivity in international development conversations. Spearheaded by UCT's Department of Student Affairs' "Student Travel Fund," which supported the travel costs for three of the four delegates, this initiative aims to break down barriers that South African youth face in accessing international platforms. Upon their return, the UCT delegation has plans to translate their experiences into tangible impacts through student-led outreach, policy engagement, and awareness campaigns. They remain steadfast in their belief that universities play a crucial role in enhancing national development through research and evidence-based solutions. Their pioneering involvement not only sets a new precedent for youth participation in South Africa's foreign engagements but also reinforces UCT's dedication to shaping graduates who are prepared to lead in addressing global challenges.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MoS Pabitra Margherita invites South Africa to join International Solar Alliance
Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita , on Friday met with South African Minister of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa and invited the nation to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure . Margherita expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to meet Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister of DPME, South Africa. Expressed India's support for the priorities of the South African presidency and emphasized the importance of critical minerals and debt sustainability for Africa. Also invited South Africa to join the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure." Earlier on Thursday, he met Thani Mohamed-Soilihi Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. In a post on X, he said, "It was a pleasure to meet Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of International Partnerships of France on the margins of G20 Development Minister's Meeting. Discussions were held on 4P and continuing our common interest in AI, reform of international financial architecture, and disaster resilience." Margherita is in South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. In a post on X, he said, "Arrived at Kruger National park, Mpumalanga South Africa to attend G20 Development Ministers' Meeting under the South African G20 Presidency. Looking forward to meaningful engagements with stakeholders from G20 members and invited countries to discuss key development issues facing the world." South Africa will hold the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. South Africa's G20 Presidency takes place when the world is facing a series of overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, including climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment, technological changes and geopolitical instability.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Side Events at the 2025 UN High-Level Political Forum Spotlight Inclusive Pathways for Emerging Economies and Youth-Driven Scientific Solutions for Sustainable Development
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)was held from July 14 to 23 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year's theme was 'Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals with sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions, ensuring no one is left behind.' The forum emphasized revitalizing global cooperation to foster faster and fairer progress. On July 16, a series of thematic side events were successfully held during the HLPF by a range of organizations, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), the Beijing International Exchange Association, Peaceland Foundation, Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP), Shandong Tongshan Children's Welfare and Public Welfare Development Center, and the Global Climate Innovation Coalition. These sessions focused on two major themes: 'Inclusive Pathways to Transformational Development in Emerging Economies and the Role of Chinese Civil Society' and 'Tech for Good: Youth-Driven Scientific Solutions for Sustainable Development.' The events drew participation from UN agencies including DESA, the Department of Global Communications, the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, and UN Women. Diplomats from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Serbia, and Timor-Leste, along with leaders of NGOs, think tank scholars, experts, and youth representatives from China, the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and beyond, joined the discussions. The events featured a diverse, globally-minded design and atmosphere, encouraging vibrant, productive, and respectful dialogue. Forging Consensus: Building Inclusive Global Development Pathways The conversation began with Lopa Banerjee, Director of the Civil Society Division at UN Women, who set the tone by emphasizing gender perspectives. While acknowledging global progress in gender equality, she highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of young women in decision-making spaces. 'Young women must continue fighting for their place at the table,' she stated, calling for inclusion, equality, and intergenerational dialogue. Following her remarks,Elizeu Chaves Junior, Chief of Staff at United Nations Youth Office, expanded the discussion by emphasizing data-driven policymaking and youth political engagement. 'We need policies built on facts and evidence, not empty passion,' he said, underscoring that youth should not be sidelined, but rather take leading roles in governance processes. Rashmi Banga, Chief of the Development Research Branch at UN DESA, then turned attention to trust-building and multilateral cooperation, particularly in developing countries. She stressed that rebuilding institutional trust in emerging economies is essential for achieving inclusive growth. China and the Global South: Civil Society in Focus Building on the themes of trust and collaboration, the session shifted to examples from China and BRICS nations. Jingfang Zhu, a researcher at CNIE, shared an analysis titled 'Ensuring the Global Development Initiative Benefits All: Case Studies of Chinese Civil Society Supporting the SDGs.' Her remarks highlighted how grassroots organizations in China are contributing to global development goals. Shaojun Teng, President of America China Public Affairs Institute (ACPAI), added that China's 900,000 social organizations are now transitioning from quantitative growth to qualitative impact, increasingly engaging in strategic areas such as disaster response and human rights promotion. Dr. Jieni Guo, Secretary-General of the Beijing International Exchange Association, presented the 'BRICS for All' initiative. She emphasized how localized innovation, such as joint vaccine programs among BRICS countries, can open new pathways for global governance. Digital Transformation and Ethical Innovation in a Complex World Former UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Anita Bhatia shifted the discussion to global challenges such as de-globalization and the deepening digital divide. She stressed that the Global South must move beyond being passive recipients of technology and instead drive system-level change from within. She argued that investment in education, especially for girls, remains one of the most effective levers for sustainable development. Her views were echoed by Xiao Li, Chairman of Shandong Tongshan Children's Welfare and Public Welfare Development Center, who highlighted the role of arts education in empowering rural youth to participate meaningfully in community development. Technology and Creativity: How Youth Lead the Future Moderated byAnkang Song, Executive Director of the Global Climate Innovation Coalition, the second session spotlighted youth and technology. Ambassador Babo Soares, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN, shared how his country has placed youth at the heart of post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in marine conservation, emergency response, and climate resilience. Dr. Thomas Hedberg, founder of IMCRA, underscored that artificial intelligence must be not only intelligent but ethical. In humanitarian crises, he argued, AI must prioritize the most vulnerable. Alexandre Caldas, former Chief Early Warning and Data Analytics at UNEP, called for a human-centered AI ethics framework. He also introduced his AI diplomacy platform, which is designed to foster global dialogue and promote transparency in governance. Pauline Deneufbourg, Youth Empowerment Policy Specialist at UNDP, provided a systematic overview of how the agency is including youth from developing countries in digital governance, through initiatives like youth advisory councils and digital summits. Youth Voices: Local Problems, Global Resonance Several youth representatives shared real-world stories that demonstrated how personal action can generate global impact. David Zheng, founder of Rhythmiq, presented a case where AI and music were combined to help young people with autism integrate more effectively into society. He emphasized that technology should not marginalize minorities, but serve as a tool for inclusion. Lingfei Yu, a youth delegate from California, shared her research on microplastic pollution in local water sources, urging collective global action to address ocean health. Beini Fang, representing youth from Shanghai, emphasized that young people should not be seen as future leaders alone, but as active participants in shaping the present. Juan Carlos García, youth awardee from the Dominican Republic, began his speech with gratitude and a sense of mission. He called for more space and resources to empower youth as current leaders. Jiajia Han,founder of E-ReVolt, introduced her project: a visual smart lamp that monitors air quality, combining public health, innovation, and advocacy. Albert Tang,founder of SocialWise LLC, showcased his AI-powered social platform designed to help autistic teens build interpersonal skills. He stressed the importance of inclusive technologies in fighting loneliness and fostering social integration. Yiting Min addressed the decline in student literacy by launching an educational platform that gamifies writing, offering a new way to spark learning interest. Ruoyang Sun, inheritor of Su embroidery, used embroidery and fashion to share Chinese cultural heritage, showing that sustainability also involves preserving cultural identity. Iris Wang,president of Future Bridge, presented her wildfire prediction AI project and her work in climate education reform, asserting that the future of climate action lies in the intersection of science, youth, and education. Zhihao Hu,founder of Blackline Motion Studios, proposed AI solutions to reduce the cost of producing business videos. Advocating for SDG 8, he emphasized "decent, fair, and opportunity-driven" economic growth and called for youth fellowships and digital skills training to promote intergenerational collaboration. GYP Global Youth Council: Building a Global Platform for Youth Cooperation As the speaker segment concluded, Ryan Li, a public policy and economics student at Georgetown University and founder of GYP Debate Club, an online debate academy providing affordable debate and public speaking lessons that has raised $20,000 for tuition and school supplies in Cambodia and Liberia, introduced the GYP Global Youth Council (GYC), a flagship platform launched by Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP). The Council is a youth-led multilateral platform aimed at: 1. Connecting young leaders globally to engage in policy discussions and collaborate on SDG-related projects. 2. Promoting meaningful youth participation in international governance. 3. Establishing a future-oriented think tank and action network. 4. Supporting youth-led social innovation in climate, education, technology, and gender equality. Ryan emphasized that the Council is not just a space for dialogue, but a global initiative for youth to speak up and create tangible impact. He invited fellow youth representatives on stage to co-sign the "Global Youth Commitment Declaration," affirming their pledge to play active, equal, and cooperative roles in sustainable development. Joining Ryan wereNina Zhan, a leading youth representative, andYuanyan Xie, founder of GYP. Nina shared her personal journey advocating for environmental protection, girls' education, and digital literacy. Yuanyan reiterated GYP's mission to empower every young person to raise their voice, gain skills, access opportunities, and shine. Youth Art Exhibition: UN Officials Applaud Youth Creativity An exhibition of youth artwork centered on sustainable development ran alongside the side event. Featuring environmental-themed pieces and digital art, it attracted wide attention. Notably, Alexandre Caldas awarded medals to several young artists, praising their ability to merge art with science to raise climate awareness and encourage social engagement. In his speech, Caldas emphasized that these works reflect how youth use imagination to build solutions and respond creatively to the challenges of sustainable development. Scientific Interpretation of Chinese Wisdom: A Higher-Dimensional Perspective Beyond the artistic showcase, Xin Yin, Secretary-General of the Beijing Youli Charity Foundation, delivered an insightful presentation with Professor Feng Liu, who joined virtually. Together, they advocated for interpreting Chinese culture through a scientific lens. They proposed presenting traditional wisdom in international language and logic frameworks to underscore its relevance to global sustainability goals. Professor Liu offered a philosophical analysis linking Confucian and Taoist concepts such as 'harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity' and 'altruism and symbiosis' with today's sustainable development agenda. He argued that presenting Chinese culture through such a lens contributes not only to cultural exchange but to the global construction of diverse knowledge systems. Rattle the Rabbit-Turtle: A Creative Reimagination of the Chinese Story Pei Sun, founder of Chinow Talk and initiator of the "Joyful China Culture" project under GYP, brought a captivating cultural performance. Her presentation, titled "Chinese Culture and the SDGs," introduced the Rattle character, a fusion of rabbit and turtle inspired by blending Eastern and Western traditions. Reimagining the classic fable of the tortoise and the hare through a Daoist lens, she introduced "Rattle" as a symbol of harmony and collaboration. The mascot's slogan, "With Rattle. No Battle," conveys a message of peace and sustainable development. The design received enthusiastic response. Pei Sun's box of Rattle figurines, brought from China, was eagerly snapped up by attendees. Anita Bhatia praised the concept and suggested developing a digital version using AI to share the peace-themed character globally. Pei concluded, 'Telling China's story requires more creativity, internationalization, and cross-cultural vibrancy.' Closing Ceremony: Launch of the UN 80th Anniversary Youth Interview Series To conclude the event, GYP founderYuanyan Xie and several youth representatives launched a new initiative marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations: the "In Dialogue with the world: Youth Voice Press Corps interview United Nations Experts" global youth interview series. This project invites youth to engage directly with diplomats and senior officials, documenting their questions and insights through documentaries, short videos, and AI-powered visuals. Lili Qiu, founder of the Peaceland Foundation, gave the final remarks with a speech titled 'The Role of Chinese Civil Society in Global Sustainable Development Solutions.' She described the event as both a feast of ideas and the beginning of meaningful action. As the final networking session began, youth and guests from around the world gathered in celebration—for peace, for the future, and for the next meaningful encounter. Media Contact Company Name: Global Youth Philanthropy Contact Person: Liping Sun Email: Send Email Country: China Website:
Scoop
6 days 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
6 days 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. "
