Latest news with #ECOSOC
Scoop
5 days ago
- 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
7 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Effective Partnerships Can Stop The Next Pandemic
21 July 2025 Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, a professor of infectious diseases at University College London, issued this warning at a recent meeting of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. It is not a question of if but when, and Dr. Abubakar believes the answer is sooner than anyone wants in part because the global healthcare system remains drastically siloed. This is a problem because, intrinsically, a pandemic cannot be stopped by one country alone. 'Infectious diseases will not respect borders. Therefore, health systems to ensure equity, dignity and universal access must also be agile to implement policies across borders,' Dr. Abubakar said. Rather, stopping pandemics — and promoting broader global development — requires robust partnerships and consistent investment in multilateral systems as a practice, not just an ideal. 'If we are to meet the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda, we must reimagine cooperation, not as a transactional action but as a dynamic, inclusive and future-ready partnership,' said Lok Bahadur Thapa, vice president of ECOSOC. A goal to unite all goals The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening at UN Headquarters in New York to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first 16 SDGs deal with specific aspects of development — such as poverty, gender equality and climate change — but the 17th puts forward a path to achieve the others. And this path lies in embracing global partnerships between State governments, civil society organizations, communities and the private sector. However, with an annual financing gap for the SDGs which exceeds $4 trillion, the partnerships of today are not sufficient to realize the goals for tomorrow. 'We must forge truly transformative partnerships that break traditional silos: governments, civil society, the private sector and multilateral institutions all have roles to play in an inclusive coalition for sustainable development,' Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) said at an HLPF event. Prioritize prevention, not reaction Right now, the current health system, which includes pandemic preparedness, is oriented towards halting health emergencies once they emerge as opposed to proactively preventing them, according to Dr. Abubakar. Member States recently adopted a pandemic prevention treaty which endeavours to do just this — limit the likelihood of future pandemics. But for many, this emphasis on prevention extends beyond pandemics to issues like rehabilitation services and primary care, both of which experts say are critical investments not only in human well-being but also in peace and security. Moreover, these types of preventative medicine are cheaper than reactive medicine, according to Mandeep Dhaliwal, the Director of Health at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). 'It's important to invest in prevention as much as it is in treatment, and it is more cost-effective because … you're turning off the tap,' Ms. Dhaliwal said. However, convincing investors to support preventive care can be difficult because, when done correctly, tangible results are not necessarily visible. Health is in every system Nevertheless, investing in preventive medicine like primary care and the socioeconomic determinants of health — such as climate and nutrition — can help ensure that health systems are holistically supporting people before a crisis begins. 'Health is not a silo… the factors that influence health are often outside the health sector,' Ms. Dhaliwal said, citing the example of air pollution which is a climate problem that inherently influences health. This sort of holistic investment requires robust partnerships which work to ensure that every initiative — no matter how seemingly distanced — considers health implications. 'We have too often treated [health] as a downstream issue, something that improves only if other systems are working. But we now understand that health and well-being is not simply the result of good developments. It's the starting point,' said Tony Ott, a professor of agricultural sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. The weak link in the health system Migrants and displaced people tend to be among those least likely to have access to preventive medicine and often those most impacted by the social determinants of health. 'Migration and displacement, whether it's driven by conflict, climate change or economic factors, are defining factors in terms of our health,' he said. By the end of 2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, a decade-high number which proves that in the 10 years since the SDGs were adopted, the world has regressed in relation to displacements. For Dr. Abubakar, these displaced people — and the millions more voluntary migrants — embody why the health system simply cannot continue to silo itself and must instead embrace cross-border partnerships. 'Health systems must ensure access to essential services regardless of immigration status … Any community without access is that weak link that may mean we are all not protected,' Dr. Abubakar said, referring to the next pandemic. Communities at the centre The idea of partnerships as foundational to achieving the SDGs is logical for many people. After all, the goals are universal in nature and demand global collaboration. But this collaboration, especially for health, must do more than just engage experts — it must engage the people who seek out healthcare. Dr. Abubakar said that all health policies must be culturally appropriate to local contexts, something which can only happen if communities are placed at the centre of healthcare. 'The new future that I see would embrace global partnership, including countries irrespective of income level, public and private sector, academic and civil society. And within this framework, communities must be at the centre… not just as recipients but as co-creators of solutions.'
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
UN Forum To Spotlight Health, Gender Equality, And Oceans In 2025 Push For Sustainable Development
13 July 2025 The 2025 High-Level Political Forum, or HLPF, follows two recent successful UN conferences focused on vital development issues: one in June in Nice, France, dedicated to ocean protection, and another held in Sevilla, Spain, centred on boosting financing for sustainable initiatives. The Sevilla meeting ended with a strong call to action: to urgently address the massive $4 trillion annual shortfall in financing needed to achieve the SDGs. It also highlighted the pressing need for greater investment and deep reform of the global financial system. Held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the forum will take place from 14 to 23 July at UN Headquarters in New York. Here are five key things to know about this year's forum: 1. It's all about accelerating action The HLPF is the United Nations' main platform for tracking global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. It meets each year to review countries' efforts, share solutions, and push for faster action to meet the 2030 targets The 2025 forum is convening under the theme: Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals leaving no one behind. This reflects a growing sense of urgency. With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the forum will emphasise practical, data-driven strategies to close implementation gaps– particularly in the face of intersecting global crisis including climate change, inequality, and economic instability. 2. Five SDGs in the spotlight Each year, the HLPF conducts in-depth reviews of selected Goals. In 2025, the focus will be on: SDG 3: Good health and well-being SDG 5: Gender equality SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth SDG 14: Life below water SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals These Goals span a wide range of issues – from public health and gender equity to economic resilience and marine conservation. SDG 17, which is reviewed annually, highlights the importance of revitalising global partnerships and enhancing means of implementation – including financing, which nations committed to just last month in Sevilla. 3. Countries will share their progress, voluntarily A hallmark of the HLPF is the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) – self-assessments by Member States on their progress toward the SDGs. In 2025, dozens of countries are expected to present their VNRs, offering insights into both achievements and persistent challenges. These reviews foster transparency, peer learning, and accountability. They also provide a platform for civil society and other stakeholders to engage directly with governments on development priorities. VNR Labs – interactive sessions focused on national reviews – create space for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration 4. It's not just governments While the HLPF is a UN intergovernmental platform, it brings together a diverse range of voices, including youth groups, local authorities, indigenous peoples, NGOs, academics, the private sector, and UN system agencies. A rich programme of side events, exhibitions, and roundtable-discussions. This inclusive approach reflects the spirit of the 2030 Agenda, which recognises sustainable development is a universal, shared endeavour. 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 The Final Countdown With only five years left to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, the 2025 HLPF marks a critical inflection point. It is more than a yearly check-in. This year's session comes at a time when science, solidarity, and urgent action must converge. It will help set the tone for the next Sustainable Development Goals Summit in 2027, where world leaders will take stock of collective progress and determine the final push toward 2030. What happens now – at this two-thirds deadline moment – will shape whether the SDGs will realise a global promise or become a missed opportunity.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Global leaders tackle poverty and climate goals at Spain summit
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Secretary General of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development Li Junhua and President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Bob Rae attend the first plenary session of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, in Seville, Spain, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco SEVILLE (Reuters) -A once-in-a-decade summit kicked off in Seville on Monday as global leaders face mounting pressure to accelerate progress on poverty reduction, climate change and sustainable development goals that are increasingly at risk of falling short. The U.N. chief, Antonio Guterres, said the event aimed "to repair and rev up" a system of cooperation where "trust is fraying and multilateralism is strained." While more than 50 world leaders were due to attend, a notable absentee was U.S. President Donald Trump, after the world's biggest economy pulled out of the event and refused to back a plan of action hammered out over the last year. "The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — our global promise to transform our world for a better, fairer future — is in danger," Guterres told the opening conference session, as the region sweltered under a heat wave. "The Sevilla Commitment document is a global promise to fix how the world supports countries as they climb the development ladder," he said, even as many richer nations make deep cuts to development aid. With two-thirds of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals lagging, more than $4 trillion a year in funding was needed, and the world's financial system needed to be retooled even more quickly to make it happen. As well as helping countries raise more tax to spend on development, Guterres said reform of world development banks needed to be stepped up so they could lend more and draw in private capital. Tied to that was a need to reform the world's credit rating system to be fairer to developing countries as they attempt to invest in projects that will improve their risk ratings over time. "Countries need — and deserve — a system that lowers borrowing costs, enables fair and timely debt restructuring, and prevents debt crises in the first place," Guterres said, citing a plan to create a single debt registry for transparency, and efforts to lower the cost of capital through debt swaps. (Reporting by Simon Jessop; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Zawya
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission holds technical meeting for the establishment of economic and social council in west Africa
The ECOWAS Commission, through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), is holding a technical session to advance the course of the establishment of an Economic and Social Council of West Africa (ECOWAS-ECOSOC), beginning from the 26th of June 2025 in Niger state, Nigeria. The two-day meeting brings together officials from the relevant ECOWAS Departments, Directorates and Divisions, including consultants and partners charged with building on the earlier phases of consultations within the context of the wider efforts aimed at consolidating democracy, peace and security while strengthening political stability, security, participatory governance and citizen's inclusion in the region. In his opening remarks, the ECOWAS Commission's Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Amb Abdel-Fatau Musah charged participants to be mindful of the goal of an ECOWAS-ECOSOC which is to constitute that bridge of a powerful voice to interface with decision makers and at the same time being a reverse influential organ of citizenry engagement. He noted that the idea of an ECOSOC for ECOWAS is to mutually reinforce everyone through an institutionalized people's organ with a facilitating platform that is a voice of the regional community's farmers, young people's organisations, non-governmental organizations, women, youth and professional groups, etc. The Commissioner added that through ECOWAS-ECOSOC as an authentic voice of the people, 'we are our own architects, the People's social wellbeing in order to truly attain a people-centered development. The benefits will be for all as the proposed organ should be insulated from the control of national governments being an authentic voice of the people' He added. Following the welcome address by the Ag Head, Mediation and Coordination of Regional Political Affairs Mr. Constant Gnacadja, the facilitator and former Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E Toga Gayewea McIntosh gave an overview of the previous consultative meetings. There were also goodwill messages from the representatives of ECOWAS Commission's partners- the African Union, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) as well as the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. At the meeting, participants will examine, among others, the justification of ECOSOC, membership and eligibility criteria, structure and sustainability. A firmly established ECOWAS-ECOSOC is seen as movement that can play a crucial role in identifying emerging social and economic trends and issues by strengthening the use of dialogue, advocacy, as well as policy recommendations in the resolution of common challenges of poverty, inequality, political instability, environmental difficulties and conflict. The technical meeting builds on the foundations laid by the earlier held Internal consultative Meeting of ECOWAS Staff, which took place on the 12th to 13th of December 2023 in Lagos, the regional consultative meeting of civil society organisations that happened on the 22nd and 23rd of February 2024 in Abuja and the experts' group meeting which held on the 12th and 13th of June 2024, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
