In a world facing political turmoil, economic slowdown, rising inequalities and a worsening environmental crisis, our promise to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is at stake.
The growing impacts of climate change, compounded by the increasing number of conflicts, are contributing to alarming trends that could reverse our progress in achieving sustainable development. Shockingly, as many as 309 million people in 72 countries are facing chronic hunger, while a staggering 2.2 billion lack access to safe water. The United Nations announced that forced displacement rose to 120 million in May 2024.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there is hope—our collective actions to build a better, more just and sustainable future. We stand at a critical moment of choice and consequence if we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
We must act now to eradicate poverty, end hunger, combat climate change, promote peaceful and inclusive societies and strengthen global partnerships.
The High-level Political Forum: Advancing towards 2030
The annual High-level Political Forum (HLPF) comes at a crucial time. Serving as the main global forum for reviewing progress on the road towards achieving the 17 SDGs, the Forum will be held from 8 to 17 July 2024 at UN Headquarters in New York. It is an important opportunity to take stock of our accomplishments and raise our collective ambitions for achieving sustainable development by 2030. The 2024 High-level Segment (HLS) of ECOSOC will take place on the heels of the Forum, on 15-18 July.
Thirty-seven countries will showcase the actions they have taken to achieve the SDGs.
Goals 1, 2, 13, 16 and 17 will also be reviewed in depth. The Forum will feature over 140 side-events and exhibitions, including 13 high-profile special events from key sectors addressing the importance of achieving the SDGs.
A call to action: Building a sustainable future
Fast action is needed now more than ever to prevent the most severe disruptions from conflicts and climate change to poverty and hunger. We must renew our commitment to mutual solidarity and international cooperation.
Better coordinated efforts are essential to overcome these challenges and develop game-changing policies that deliver on the promise of an inclusive and sustainable future.
Developing countries must receive the support they need to build green economies and protect lives and livelihoods from increasing climate impacts.
Governments, the private sector and civil society must work together to find innovative solutions to tackle compounding challenges.
Urgent measures are needed to mobilize large-scale financing to close the development financing gap, now estimated at $4.2 trillion annually. Financial commitments by the developed world for sustainable development must be met. Innovative financing mechanisms are also crucial for achieving the SDGs.
As we look forward to the Summit for the Future in September 2024, we count on leaders to prioritize sustainable development. The Summit will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges, address gaps in global governance and reaffirm commitments to a more effective and inclusive multilateralism.
The time has come to fulfil our promise to current and future generations.
To make this happen, we must act now, and act boldly.
