ECOSOC President advocates optimism ‘against all difficulties’ at key UN development conference |

news7g07/06/2022

8 4 minutes read

ECOSOC President advocates optimism 'against all difficulties' at key UN development conference |

He directly opened the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) “On a note characterized by high hopes and optimism” argued that “we can and will overcome our challenges”.

Optimistic, ‘against all odds’

The senior UN official gave five reasons for his optimism “against all difficulties”, starting with successes in controlling COVID-19 pandemic, in many countries.

While acknowledging its adverse effects on society, people and the global development agenda, he said the pandemic has also “serves as a wake-up call in exposing many aspects of our society that are not true“.

In this way, it provided an opportunity to “adjust our way of life…[and] repair the resilience of our socioeconomic and health systems”.

Restoring ‘blueprints’

Second, he pointed at “Blueprint to anchor our recovery“Detail Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and 17 Sustainable development goals (SDG).

Despite rising inflation, major supply chain disruptions, policy uncertainty and unsustainable debt in developing countries – all of which have slowed the global economy – Mr. leading the latest forecast in World economic situation and prospects for global growth of 3.1%.

“Many countries are institutionalizing the social protection measures they put in place during the pandemic… and [many] organizations are moving towards a positive economy in nature”.

On the right path

Although countries missed the target of immunizing 70% of their population against the virus by the middle of this year, “COVAXthe COVID-19 technology access swimming pool and mRNA vaccine technology transfer center can help us move further forward,” he said as the third reason for hope.

In addition to the potential they offer for universal immunization, safeguarding health systems and mitigating the risks of emerging variants, the senior UN official noted a number of economic and financial solutions. existing political and social networks are being implemented, including an increase in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special drawing rights.

“We know the challenges and the solutions. What we need is determination, courage, trust and solidarity to implement solutions”, ECOSOC manager.

Reason for hope

He drew the attention of Forum participants gathered with a common purpose “to renew our commitment to Agenda 2030… [and] agree on ways to fulfill the commitments we made in SDG Summit 2019to accelerate action to implement the SDGs in Decade of Action and Delivery“.

“And fifth, because of all of this, I believe we are ready for a successful HLPF 2022…[that] offers actionable solutions… helps strengthen global solidarity, deepens our understanding of our common challenges, enables us to learn from each other, expands our common ground, and fosters our resolve to act working together and supporting each other”.

The ECOSOC President concluded by inviting the Forum “to delve deeper into the discussions with an open heart and mind”.

Progress reports

Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed reminded that the Voluntary National Review (VNR) presentation – event progress through which countries assess and present progress made towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda – now in its seventh year.

“The 44 countries present this year will bring the total presented to 187 – which means we have achieved near-universal reporting,” she announced, commending all the participating countries.

‘Sustainable commitment’

The Deputy Chief of the United Nations Office noted “a clear illustrations of failures“Caused by pandemics, conflicts and the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, have impacted education, health care, gender equality and the economy economy.

However, she said they also “bring hope” – drawing attention to cash transfers, corporate debt regulation, national recovery plans and government stimulus packages. government, which has brought “critical relief”.

“They signal the unwavering commitment of nations for sustainable development in the context of ongoing and new crises,” said Ms. Mohammed.

Not ‘halfway’

Although halfway through the 2030 Agenda time frame, we don’t live in the “other half of the world” that we imagined in 2015“She continued.

She explained that transformation in renewable energy, food systems and digital connectivity along with “investing in human capital, funding opportunities” needs to turn many crises into opportunities. .

“The ‘SDG moment’ during the General Assembly in September this year will be an opportunity to focus on these profound transformations and on the work needed to get us back on track. It will also be an important milestone on the way to SDG Summit 2023,” she declared.

Poverty is on the rise

Liu Zhenmin, Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) presented SDG Progress Report along with another focus on long-term future trends and scenariosincluding recent technology and policy trends as they impact the SDGs.

He pointed out that compared with pre-pandemic levels, an additional 75-95 million people will be pushed into extreme poverty by 2022.

“The The urgent need for international solidarity and multilateral cooperation cannot be strained enough“The head of DESA said.

“We must continue to commit to the people-centred and planetary path to prosperity that we have set out in the 2030 Agenda. This can only happen if we all can all. act together”.

United Nations takes the lead

In her statement, Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) calls attention to how sexual and reproductive health and rights drive the SDGs.

“The right to sexual and reproductive health – to make decisions about one’s own body and future – is at the heart of gender equality“She spells.

Meanwhile, QU Dongyu, General Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights the need to strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems to shocks to prevent the rise of global food insecurity.

“We are in danger of facing a the current food access crisis and possibly a food supply crisis for the next season,” he warned of fraught efforts to achieve global goals.

Click here to view the entire meeting.