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Scoop
24-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
High-Level Political Forum Concludes With Call For Accelerated Action On Sustainable Development
Ministerial Declaration reaffirms commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals The 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) concluded this week with Member States calling for urgent, coordinated action to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Member States adopted a ministerial declaration that demonstrates the political will to achieve the SDGs for the benefit of all. 'The SDGs represent the common sense of humanity,' said Bob Rae, President of the UN Economic and Social Council. He further noted that 'strengthening national ownership of the SDGs is essential. That means integrating them into national development plans, budgets, and policies—not as an add-ons, but as the core of how Governments serve their people.' He added that 'We need to reaffirm the UN's relevance through results—by showing that multilateralism delivers real, tangible benefits for people at every level of society.' Held from 14 to 23 July under the auspices of the ECOSOC, the HLPF came at a critical time as countries strive to address intersecting global challenges—from protracted conflicts and economic instability to the escalating climate crisis. Building on the outcomes of the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice and the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla – that ended with a call to urgently address the $4 trillion annual shortfall in financing needed to achieve the SDGs – the progress made at the HLPF will help inform discussions at the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'The Sustainable Development Goals are not a dream,' said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks on 21 July. 'They are a plan. A plan to keep our promises — to the most vulnerable people, to each other, and to future generations.' Over the course of two weeks, the Forum brought together over 6,000 in-person participants, including governments, youth, civil society, scientists, the private sector, and other key partners, to share experiences and spotlight innovative, inclusive solutions to advance SDG implementation. Discussions focused on integrated responses to today's most pressing issues under the theme 'Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for leaving no one behind.' The SDGs reviewed in-depth were Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 14 (Life Below Water) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Accelerating SDG implementation critical to address global challenges The recently launched the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 revealed that significant progress has been made in global health, education, and sustainability: new HIV infections have fallen nearly 40 per cent since 2010, malaria prevention has saved over 12 million lives since 2000, and social protection now reaches more than half the world's population. Yet only 35 per cent of targets are on track or making moderate progress, while nearly half are advancing too slowly and 18 per cent have regressed. More than 800 million people continue to live in extreme poverty, while billions lack access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Temperatures reached 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024, making it the hottest year on record. Conflicts led to nearly 50,000 deaths that same year, and forced displacement affected over 120 million people worldwide. At the same time, low- and middle-income countries faced record-high debt servicing costs of $1.4 trillion in 2023. The report called for action across six priority areas where intensified efforts could deliver transformative impact: food systems, energy access, digital transformation, education, jobs and social protection, and climate and biodiversity action. Voluntary National Reviews Thirty-five countries presented their Voluntary National Reviews at the Forum — highlighting the actions they have taken to achieve the SDGs. Snapshot of countries' reporting on progress: Bangladesh leverages the Future nation platform to connect thousands of young people from marginalized and mainstream backgrounds to skill-building, entrepreneurship, and job opportunities, bridging skill gaps through digital tools and global mentorship. Ethiopia's"5 Million Coders Initiative" equips youth with digital skills using free, certified, offline-accessible courses to bridge divides. Finland has made progress in marine protection, reaching the target of conserving 10 percent of its total marine area. It actively participates in negotiations for a new treaty to end plastic pollution. Finland's protected areas cover about 13% of its land area. Germany's Gender Equality (Management Positions) Act mandates a 30% quota for women on supervisory boards of certain companies, with a national target of increasing this to 40% by 2030. The federal public service aims for gender parity in leadership positions for women by 2025. Japan's 'SDGs Award" system has successfully promoted nationwide efforts, significantly increasing public awareness of the SDGs from 50% in 2021 to approximately 90% in 2023. Various SDGs-related award programs sponsored by ministries and agencies continue to advance specific initiatives, such as the Food Loss and Waste Reduction Promotion Award and the Green Infrastructure Award. Lesotho has improved its legal framework with laws like the Counter Domestic Violence Act (2022) and has seen increased women's political participation at local levels due to legislated quotas. Malta's Electronic Public Procurement System (ePPS) has digitized procurement processes, incorporating modules for Green Public Procurement (GPP) and energy efficiency standards. Nigeria is making investments to foster innovation, support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhance e-governance, and create jobs through expanded access to affordable, high-speed internet. Papua New Guinea is investing in digital literacy programs, especially for rural women, providing ICT training for entrepreneurs, coding courses, and digital financial literacy. Qatar actively engages youth through its Qatar Youth Innovation Award and hosts the Doha Forum, Youth Edition, which brings together young leaders globally for discussions on pressing challenges. Seychelles has enacted a Marine Spatial Plan in 2024, which legally designates 33% of its ocean territory for conservation and sustainable use. They have also achieved a notable reduction in plastic pollution through clean-up efforts and public awareness campaigns. Suriname 's Labour Market Policy addresses workforce development through skill-building initiatives and labor market integration strategies, including a national strategy for Youth Employment Events held in connection with HLPF In connection with the 2025 HLPF, there were 12 high-level special events, 13 VNR labs, 190 side events and 8 exhibitions, with a number of noteworthy outcomes including but not limited to the below: Launch of the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments 9th Report on "Towards the Localization of the SDGs" Launch of new SDG 6 Country Acceleration Case studies (the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Republic of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) (UN Water) Launch of three Thematic Reports by the Expert Group on Climate and SDG Synergies (co-convened by UN DESA and UNFCCC): Synergy Solutions 2025: How Nature Conservation Can Advance SDG and Climate Action Synergy Solutions 2025: Closing the Climate and Disaster Insurance Protection Gap
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Salvaging SDGs Still Possible, But Countries Must Act Now: Guterres
21 July 2025 Addressing ministers at UN Headquarters in New York, he called for urgent action to rescue lagging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid war, inequality and fiscal strain. 'Transformation is not only necessary – it is possible,' he declared, highlighting landmark commitments adopted in recent months: the Pandemic Agreement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, pledges to expand marine protected areas at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, and the new vision for global finance agreed in Sevilla at the fourth International Financing for Development Conference. 'These are not isolated wins, they are signs of momentum and signs that multilateralism can deliver.' The remarks opened the ministerial segment of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the UN's central platform for reviewing the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. Get back on track Mr. Guterres warned that the world remains far off track to meet the 2030 targets. 'Only 35 per cent of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress. Nearly half are moving too slowly. And 18 per cent are going backwards,' he said. He urged governments to act with urgency and ambition. 'The Sustainable Development Goals are not a dream. They are a plan – a plan to keep our promises to the most vulnerable people, to each other, and to future generations.' Citing gains since 2015, including expanded social protection, declining child marriage and growing women's representation, he said the SDGs remain 'within reach' if world leaders channel resources and political will. The Secretary-General also linked development and peace, noting ongoing violence in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine and elsewhere. 'At every step, we know sustainable peace requires sustainable development,' he said, calling for immediate ceasefires and renewed commitment to diplomacy. Double down on multilateralism Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council, echoed the SecretaryGeneral's call, warning that global disruption – from climate change to economic disarray – requires deeper solidarity. 'The SDGs are not optional ideals, but rather essential commitments,' he said. 'Now is not the time for us to abandon our ideals…it is now actually the time to double down on our multilateral obligations to one another.' Mr. Rae cautioned that shrinking national budgets and rising nationalist politics are undermining progress but insisted that 'multilateralism delivers real, tangible benefits for people at every level of society.' He called for closer partnerships with civil society, local governments, and the private sector, stressing that SDGs must be 'integrated into budgets and policies around the world, not as at odds, but as the core of how governments should serve their people.' Match ambition and delivery Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, emphasized aligning political commitments with concrete action. He praised the Compromiso de Sevilla and last year's Pact for the Future, which aim to reform global financial systems, scale up climate finance, and strengthen international tax cooperation. 'The gap between ambition and delivery can only be closed through solidarity, resources and political will,' he said. 'The deadlines for the 2030 Agenda are fast approaching,' he warned. 'Whether we like it or not. And while progress is lagging, we have the tools and ambition to deliver.' Accountability and partnership The HLPF, established at the landmark Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, serves as the primary UN platform for monitoring SDG progress, including through Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). This year's forum, convened under the auspices of the ECOSOC, runs until 23 July with a focus on five goals: health, gender equality, decent work, life below water, and global partnerships. More than 150 countries have presented VNRs – with 36 reporting this year – showcasing national efforts and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda. Mr. Guterres praised the reviews as 'acts of accountability' and 'templates for other countries to follow and learn from.' With just five years left to meet the global goals, he urged ministers to 'transform these sparks of transformation into a blaze of progress – for all countries.'
CBC
03-07-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Gangs have 'near-total control' in Haiti, UN warns
Haiti's gangs have gained "near-total control" of the capital and authorities are unable to stop escalating violence across the impoverished Caribbean nation, senior UN officials warned Wednesday. An estimated 90 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is now under control of criminal groups who are expanding attacks not only into surrounding areas but beyond into previously peaceful areas, Ghada Fathy Waly, executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, told the UN Security Council. "Southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents," she said. "And in the east, criminal groups are exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse, where attacks against police and customs officials have been reported." The remarks came a day after Bob Rae, president of the UN's Economic and Social Council, said in a statement that "the situation in Haiti is deteriorating at an alarming rate." "The Haitian population is being exploited, raped, kidnapped and recruited by armed gangs. They are malnourished and facing famine conditions," said Rae, a former Canadian MP. Waly in her presentation said that criminal groups are stepping into the vacuum left by the absence or limited delivery of public services and are establishing "parallel governance structures," and gang control of major trade routes has paralyzed legal commerce, leading to soaring prices for cooking fuel and rice, Haiti's staple food. UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca told the council that "without increased action by the international community, the total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario." Last month, the UN's International Organizaton for Migration estimated that 11 per cent of Haiti's nearly 12 million inhabitants have fled their homes due to the ongoing violence. International security force underfunded Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination, and has not held elections since 2016. A transitional council with rotating leaders was established last year, with hopes that the next election would be held by early 2026. A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police arrived in Haiti last year to help quell gang violence, but the mission remains understaffed and underfunded, with only about 40 per cent of the 2,500 personnel originally envisioned. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres's proposal in February to have the UN provide drones, fuel, ground and air transport and other non-lethal support to the Kenya-led mission has languished in the council. In response to the gangs, the UNODC's Waly said there has been a rapid growth in the number and activities of private security companies and vigilante self-defence groups, with some trying to protect their communities while others act illegally and collude with gangs. "Over the last three months," Jenca said, "these groups reportedly killed at least 100 men and one woman suspected of gang association or collaboration." He said the last three months have also seen an increase in sexual violence by gangs with the UN political mission in Haiti documenting 364 incidents of sexual violence involving 378 survivors just from March to April. With a weak national police force facing acute tensions in its leadership, an army that needs rebuilding and the limited ability of the multinational force, UN experts have warned that the gangs will continue "to have the upper hand unless stronger international support is provided." UNICEF has previously assessed that some gangs are recruiting children to support their illegal activities. The Haitian National Police have also carried out "a worrying number of extrajudicial killings," with suspected gang members often summarily executed," the experts said, pointing to 281 summary executions by specialized police units in 2024 including 22 women and 8 children. Despite the UN arms embargo on Haiti, gangs continue to obtain more powerful weapons not only from regional civilian markets but from police stockpiles in Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic, the experts said. WATCH l Haitian Canadians worry for relatives, compatriots on sombre anniversary: Haiti still impacted by earthquake 15 years later 6 months ago Duration 2:03 U.S. tries to end legal protections for Haitians The turmoil in Haiti comes as Donald Trump's administration announced last week that it was terminating legal protections for some 500,000 Haitians as soon as Sept. 2, setting them up for potential deportation. "The environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home," the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in an accompanying statement. The move is being challenged in the courts. The DHS statement came even as the State Department , advising Americans not to travel there due to "kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and limited health care."
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
'Don't Give Up': Three Signs Global Progress Is Still Possible
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Tower Bridge illuminated with a powerful message from Global Citizen, ... More urging the UK Government to renew its commitment to childhood immunisation through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on May 19, 2025 in London, England. (Photo byfor Global Citizen) This past month marked 80 years since the birth of the United Nations. And let's be honest, there's no shortage of reasons to believe international cooperation is dead. Norms are being shattered, aid budgets for the poorest and most vulnerable are being slashed, and for the first time in a generation, extreme poverty has been on the rise. In a world where wars rage, institutions remain paralyzed, and promises go unmet, it's easy to lose faith. But as Canada's Ambassador Bob Rae recently told me: 'Don't give up.' Even in this fractured landscape, there are moments of cooperation among many—though not all—countries that remind us what's still possible when we choose action over apathy. As the UN quietly marked 80 years since the signing of its Charter—the moment it was born on paper—three breakthroughs stood out that you may have missed. 1. Progress in Brussels: $9 Billion to Save 8 Million Lives On June 25th, the same day a NATO summit was taking place in Hague, the European Commission and the Gates Foundation helped rally world leaders and philanthropists to commit $9 billion at a landmark summit in Brussels. That figure is almost enough to help save the lives of 8 million children over the next five years through expanded access to vaccines via Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Since 2000, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has reportedly protected over 1.1 billion children and saved 18.8 million lives across low-income countries. Speaking at the summit about what this means in everyday terms, the President of Ghana shared a moving personal reflection: that when he was born, surviving past your fifth birthday as a child in Ghana was often a matter of luck. Thanks to the work of Gavi that is no longer the case. Now, with this new infused support, it's aiming higher—protecting 500 million more children by 2030, in turn saving an additional 8 million lives. In many respects, it was remarkable that the summit was taking place at all amid global turbulence and competing priorities, including intense pressure on many countries, especially those in Europe, to significantly increase their defense spending. While the NATO summit was focused on preparing for the worst, the Gavi summit was about investing in our best hope: the dreams and potential of a new generation of children. In other words, it was focused on preparing for a better tomorrow. As the Prime Minister of Greece put it so poignantly, after pledging so much to defense and military readiness that same day, the least world leaders could do was commit a fraction of that to saving lives. Indeed, many in the room were visibly moved, and several stepped up to increase their pledges on the spot, even as some countries withdrew their support. For example, Anne Aly, Australia's Minister for International Development, announcement of increased support, which was met with cheers in the room. The lead-up to the summit wasn't without tension, and that continued into the day itself as it was unclear what some countries would and wouldn't contribute. When it was announced that Norway might reduce its support, an open letter was published in one of the country's most prominent newspapers urging them to hold the line. To the Government's credit, while it did not pledge as much as advocates had hoped, it did respond to our campaign and left the door open for a potential increase in the future. 2. A Breakthrough in the Heat of Seville At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD-4), a coalition of the willing was announced. As temperatures in southern Spain reached 46°C, eight countries—including France, Kenya, and Barbados—stepped forward to announce a new global coalition for an aviation solidarity levy on premium flyers, such as those who fly first class or in private jets. Public sentiment supports such ideas; a joint report by Global Citizen and Glocalities shows widespread approval across G7 nations, particularly for measures that require polluters to pay for their emissions. But talk rarely turned into action. But that might be changing with this recent announcement. The announcement took place at the 2nd anniversary of the Pact for Prosperity, People, and Planet (4P), which is gaining real traction. With 73 countries now involved, the platform offers a new model of constructive multilateralism, grounded in country ownership and solutions that match the moment. 3. Turning Fossil Liabilities into Climate Assets Also in Sevilla, a potentially groundbreaking example of innovation in climate finance was announced: TransEnergy Global has acquired a coal reserve in South Africa, not to mine it, but to lock it up for 100 years. That's 118 million tonnes of coal staying in the ground, preventing 236 million tonnes of CO₂ and saving billions of litres of water. The announcement shows the development a new financial instrument: energy transition credits. These are carbon credits issued not for planting trees, but for keeping fossil fuels in the ground. They monetize avoided emissions, creating a revenue stream for countries and communities willing to leave coal in the ground. If this model scales, it could flip the script on stranded assets — especially in places like Indonesia, India, or South Africa, where the energy transition risks economic dislocation. Instead of being punished for keeping coal unburned, these communities can be rewarded and reinvested in jobs, renewables, and resilience. The Stakes: Beyond Symbolism These wins are what progress looks like: imperfect, hard-won, and driven by people who still believe we owe future generations more than what we inherited. As Bob Rae put it recently in reflecting on the UN Charter: 'Let us avoid the tendency to seek perfection and then beat ourselves up because some say we have failed. Let us rather embrace the beauty of the broken… There is a crack in everything—that's how the light gets in.' International cooperation isn't dying. It's being redefined. Not in grand declarations, but in communities rebuilding after floods, in ministers negotiating solidarity levies, in citizen movements holding leaders accountable. The UN at 80 reminds us of something we often forget: the world doesn't change because of perfect systems. It changes when imperfect people—nurses, refugees, entrepreneurs, artists, diplomats—choose to keep showing up anyway. So yes, we face crisis. But we also face possibility. And that's reason enough not to give up.
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Canada's UN envoy says Iran would like to escalate, but may lack capacity
Missiles launched from Iran towards Israel are seen in the West Bank city of Nablus Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) Iran launched short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base, home to U.S. forces in Qatar on Monday, less than 24 hours after the United States bombed three of Iran's nuclear facilities. While Iran may want to increase the amount of strikes it launches, Bob Rae, Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, says they may not have the capacity to do so. 'Iran would like to escalate in response to the Israeli and American attacks, but we will see exactly whether Iran is actually able to effectively respond,' he said in an interview with CTV News Chanel on Monday. Al Udeid is a key U.S. military asset in the region, housing both the Combined Air Operations Center and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest of its kind in the world. Qatar Mideast Wars This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) (Planet Labs PBC/AP) Iran described the strikes as 'a mighty and successful response' to 'America's aggression.' 'I think it reflects Iran's ambition,' Rae said. 'I also think it reflects the fact that much of Iran's capacity to respond has been really impacted.' Rae says the core issue is Iran's nuclear ambitions, and how far the U.S. is willing to go to stop them. 'Without admitting to it, Iran has rapidly increased attempts to become a country with nuclear weapons,' he said, adding that it's not clear whether the American initiative will be able to succeed without creating more disruption and warfare. 'The Americans have indicated that they are not going to tolerate any race to a successful nuclear conclusion by Iran,' Rae said. '(But) from all the evidence that we have, (Iranians) seem to be trying to do (that) at breakneck speed.' As leaders on all sides assess their next steps, Rae warns the coming days could shape the region's future.
