New York: With just five years remaining to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, progress remains uneven and, in many areas, dangerously off track due to shrinking national budgets, rising nationalism, and trade-disrupting tariffs, as highlighted by speakers at the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council.
According to EMM, the segment includes a three-day ministerial meeting of the High-level Political Forum, held under the theme of advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bob Rae, President of the 54-member Council, emphasized the need for solidarity and obligations to one another, recalling the adoption of the 2030 Agenda a decade ago.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted recent achievements when countries united with conviction, citing agreements at the World Health Assembly, the Third UN Ocean Conference, and the Fourth International Financing for Development Conference. He stressed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access to achieve a two-State solution. He also called for peace in Ukraine and an end to conflicts in Sudan.
Only 35% of SDG targets are currently on track or making moderate progress, with nearly half moving too slowly and 18% regressing. The global economy is slowing, trade tensions are rising, and inequalities are growing, while aid budgets are decreasing and military spending is increasing. Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly’s seventy-ninth session, highlighted the importance of science and evidence-based solutions, voluntary national reviews, and the Pact for the Future in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Carolina Rojas, representing the Major Group for Children and Youth, called for systemic reform and co-leadership in UN processes, emphasizing the inclusion of migrant youth and investment in systems that recognize unpaid care work. Government leaders discussed progress and challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda, with Finland leading in implementation, Uganda localizing SDGs in 135 districts, and ASEAN focusing on rural development.
The UN’s 80th anniversary presents an opportunity to reassess its role in the world, as highlighted by Muhammed Ali Tamim of Iraq. He stressed that development is a right and underscored Iraq’s upcoming census and private sector strategies. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, called for debt relief to bridge financing gaps.
Specific issues such as climate change, child development, healthcare, economic growth, and justice were also addressed. Joyelle Clarke of Saint Kitts and Nevis emphasized the importance of sustainable ocean management, while Febrian Alfianto Ruddyard of Indonesia called for increased financing to combat tuberculosis. Shiva Raj Adhikari of Nepal highlighted the vulnerability of least developed countries, and Guylain Nyembo Mbwizya of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported signs of economic recovery.
Finally, Luis Madera of the Dominican Republic stressed the economic importance of investing in justice, noting that unresolved legal problems drive poverty and inequality, spark unrest, and erode trust in institutions.