UN urges world to take steps for sustainable future

NEW YORK, The international community must urgently summon the commitment and investments needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline, the UN Deputy Secretary-General stressed on Monday. Addressing the opening of the 2024 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), Amina Mohammad called for "transformative actions" and bold policies to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, food insecurity and climate change. "Although the greatest challenges before us are daunting, together we can overcome them, achieve the peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future that all people not only need but deserve," she told delegates assembled at the UN Headquarters, in New York. Under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the theme this year focuses on eradicating poverty through sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions amid a host of crises. Running through July 17, the Forum will review progress towards Goal 1 on ending poverty, Goal 2 on zero hunger, Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, and Goal 17 on strengthening means of implementation. On the calendar are Voluntary National Review (VNR) Labs, where countries voluntarily report on their progress towards achieving the SDGs, the challenges they face and their plans to overcome them, several side events and exhibitions are also organized on the HLPF's margins. Also addressing the Forum, Paula Narvaez, President of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly conflict-affected areas, stressing the need for peace and stability. She emphasized that the agenda includes local and regional actions, insights from regional forums, key intergovernmental discussions and 37 countries presenting their VNRs, the Forum's general debate will bridge last year's SDG Summit to this September's Summit of the Future. "It will be a space to present transformative actions and initiatives related to monito ring the Summit on Sustainable Development Goals in 2023, while also sharing priorities and expectations" for the upcoming summit, Narvaez said. She also stressed the importance of inclusive participation, particularly of youth and marginalized groups, and the cross-cutting nature of gender perspective for achieving sustainable development. The two-week Forum, aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and focuses on reviewing progress in critical areas such as poverty eradication, hunger, climate change, and gender equality, as well as highlighting the challenges facing the achievement of these goals. Source: Kuwait News Agency