Your Quick Guide to the High Level Political Forum and Why it Matters

By Chloe Bousquet-Chavanne

July 10, 2017

“We are setting out together on the path towards sustainable development, devoting ourselves collectively to the pursuit of global development and of ’win-win‘ cooperation which can bring huge gains to all countries and all parts of the world.”

From July 10-19, the United Nations is hosting its annual High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development. This series of meetings marks almost 2 years since the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted by more than 190 countries. Gathering world leaders annually since then in the United Nations New York City headquarters, this conference is a chance for countries and organizations to review their progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It’s also a chance for all of us – as citizens of our respective countries – to pay attention to what our leaders are doing and saying about their commitments on our behalf. Established in September 2015, the SDGs – also known as the Global Goals  – are a global to-do list of our collective commitment to ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all.

Aminia Mohammad, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations speaking at the 2015 Global Citizen Festival in New York City.

Centered around the theme of “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world” this year’s HLPF will focus on 7 specific goals:

  • Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and better nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
  • Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
  • Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
  • Goal 9. Build strong infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and promote innovation
  • Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Goal 17. Strengthen the Global Partnership for the SDGs.

Fourty-four countries have committed to sharing reports on their individual SDG progress and will be presenting them at the forum. But beyond these 44 countries, governments will be joined by businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and a wide array of other community groups and foundations to create a meaningful space for conversation and connections.

This meeting is not only a chance for countries to share their progress and for us to hold them accountable to their commitments, but it is also an opportunity for partnership – for different industries to share ideas and mobilize action towards a more sustainable future.

Take Action Challenge

The SDGs belong to everyone, and we all have a stake in their success. We play an equally important role in achieving the Global Goals!

 

Image credit: www.globalgoals.org

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