HPLF 2024: Faced with crises, the UN calls for lasting solutions to eradicate poverty

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), concluded its second week from July 15th to July 19th, 2024. The forum, with the overarching theme “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions,” was a vital platform for reviewing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report delves into the key discussions, events, and outcomes of the second week.

Monday, July 15th: Ministerial Segment

The second week kicked off with the three-day ministerial segment, focusing on in-depth reviews of specific SDGs. Monday’s discussions centered on SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere) and SDG 2 (End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture).

Key Discussions:

• SDG 1: The meeting stressed the critical necessity to confront growing poverty levels caused by the COVID-19 epidemic and other geopolitical challenges. Several nations discussed their poverty-reduction plans, emphasizing social safety programs, inclusive economic growth, and creative finance systems.
• SDG 2: The talks focused on the crucial relevance of sustainable agriculture and food security. Participants emphasized the need to reform food systems to be more resilient and sustainable, combat hunger, and provide equal access to food resources.

Notable Statements:

• Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General: The necessity for comprehensive policies supporting women and youth empowerment was pointed out, with gender equality being critical to attaining the SDGs.
• Paula Narváez, President of ECOSOC: Highlighted the interconnection between gender equity and economic growth, calling for increased investments in women’s education and employment.

Tuesday, July 16th: Climate Action and Institutional Strengthening

Tuesday’s sessions focused on SDG 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts) and SDG 16 (Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels).

Key Discussions:

• SDG 13: The forum stressed the urgency of accelerating climate action to meet the Paris Agreement’s targets. Participants discussed national and regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and promote renewable energy.
• SDG 16: The focus was on strengthening institutions and governance to foster peace, justice, and inclusivity. Discussions included the role of transparent and accountable institutions in addressing conflicts, corruption, and human rights abuses.

Notable Statements:

• Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator: spoke on the need for inclusive institutions to drive bold climate action, stressing the importance of political participation and strong governance.
• Juliana Uribe, CEO of Movilizatorio: Called for strong civil society leadership to influence policy and rebuild trust in institutions for a sustainable future.

Wednesday, July 17th: Partnerships and Collaboration

The final day of the ministerial segment centred on SDG 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development). This day was marked by discussions on fostering global partnerships, financing for development, and technology transfer.

Key Discussions:

• Global Partnerships: Participants explored ways to enhance international cooperation and partnerships to achieve the SDGs. The discussions included leveraging private sector investments, enhancing development aid, and fostering South-South cooperation.
• Financing for Development: The forum addressed the substantial financing gap for achieving the SDGs, emphasizing innovative financing solutions, debt relief, and mobilizing domestic resources.

Notable Statements:

• Ambassador Lisa Carty, U.S. Representative to UN: Reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting partner countries in achieving the SDGs, emphasizing the need for intersectional solutions to interconnected challenges.
• Claudio Barbaro, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, Italy: Encouraged G7 members to reaffirm high-ambition climate commitments, ensuring sustainable growth and equity.

Thursday, July 18th: High-Level Segment of ECOSOC

The high-level segment of ECOSOC provided an opportunity for further reflection on the HLPF’s outcomes and set the stage for the Summit of the Future in September 2024.

Key Discussions:

• Policy Guidance on the Care Economy: UN Women led the launch of the first-ever UN System-wide policy guidance on the care economy, emphasizing the importance of care work for social and economic well-being.
• Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs): Thirty-six countries presented their VNRs, sharing their progress and challenges in implementing the SDGs. Highlights included Armenia’s advancements in gender equality in ICT, Austria’s science-based SDG implementation strategies, and Zimbabwe’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives.

Notable Statements:

• Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission: Called for collective efforts to achieve the SDGs and Agenda 2063, emphasizing the need for innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist, UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa: Moderated discussions on reinforcing SDG and Agenda 2063 implementation, highlighting the importance of policy coherence and stakeholder engagement.

Friday, July 19th: Closing Session and Final Recommendations

The closing session of the HLPF was a culmination of intense deliberations, with the adoption of a ministerial declaration aimed at boosting multilateral efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Final Recommendations:

1. Gender Equality and Empowerment: The declaration highlighted the importance of enhancing investments to bridge the gender divide and fostering aid for initiatives promoting gender parity, irrespective of their level. It accentuated eradicating predispositions against discriminating women and young females while incorporating them in activities concerning peacebuilding.
2. Climate Action: The forum called for more ambitious climate action, urging countries to enhance their commitments under the Paris Agreement and implement sustainable energy solutions.
3. Institutional Strengthening: Strengthening institutions to be more inclusive, accountable, and transparent was highlighted as crucial for sustainable development. The importance of good governance in addressing poverty, conflict, and corruption was reiterated.
4. Global Partnerships: The declaration emphasized the importance of revitalizing global partnerships to mobilize resources, share knowledge, and foster innovation. It called for enhanced cooperation between governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations.
5. Financing for Development: Addressing the financing gap for the SDGs was a key focus of the forum. The forum called for innovative financing mechanisms, debt relief for developing countries, and increased development aid.

Notable Statements:

• Paula Narváez, President of ECOSOC: Urged continued efforts to advance the implementation of the SDGs, stressing the need for collective action and innovative solutions.

Conclusion

The second week of the HLPF 2024 was marked by significant discussions, high-level engagements, and a clear commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda amidst multiple crises. The adoption of the ministerial declaration highlighted the collective resolve of UN Member States to accelerate progress towards the SDGs through innovative, resilient, and inclusive solutions. As preparations for the Summit of the Future continue, the outcomes of the HLPF provide a solid foundation for renewed multilateral efforts to achieve a sustainable and equitable world by 2030.