Mr. Vice President of ECOSOC,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Participants and Delegates,
This Coordination Segment holds strategic significance, as the first ECOSOC Segment following the 2023 SDG Summit.
Over the last two days, we have heard invaluable contributions that have significantly enhanced these discussions. We addressed a broad spectrum of issues pertinent to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and responded to salient mandates from the 2023 SDG Summit Political Declaration.
The presentations and discussions reiterated our shared commitment to end poverty everywhere, combat inequalities and build peaceful societies that leave no one behind.
Global economic challenges threaten SDG progress, with tight financing conditions, debt vulnerabilities, and slowing trade forecasted for 2024. Geopolitical tensions and the risks of extreme weather pose further threat.
The gap between developed and developing economies is widening, marked by decreasing unemployment in developed nations but persistently high rates in developing regions.
Historically high food prices and high cost-of-living remain a critical concern, especially to countries in vulnerable situations.
Developing economies face subdued growth, high unemployment, and stagnant wages, urging increased investments in education, health, and infrastructure.
Governments must pursue innovation and green transitions to foster sustainable growth, employment and livelihoods.
International cooperation must be geared to support economies in vulnerable fiscal situations, to help shift them towards inclusive, sustainable development.
In the words of the 51³Ô¹Ï Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, ¡°Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been¡±. Member States must utilize the ECOSOC system to its fullest potential to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Mr. Vice President,
Dear colleagues,
Despite the challenges, we know what needs to be done. Translating commitments into concrete policies, budgets, and investment portfolios is one such step. And timely and high-quality data remains fundamental to measuring progress and guidance.
Member States have signalled the way forward in the Political Declaration of the SDG Summit.
Immediate action is crucial to accelerate achievement of the 2030 Agenda beyond the current 15 per cent implementation rate.
With the 2030 deadline now just over six years away, we are in a race against time.
The outcomes of these deliberations will inform our collective efforts towards a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future.
Your recommendations have provided valuable guidance on how the ECOSOC system can enhance its contribution.
You have pointed to a move towards a comprehensive strategy involving political will, technology, and resources to achieve the SDGs, in particular eradicating poverty.
Your recommendations will help to inform discussions in the lead up to and during upcoming milestone events in 2024, including the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) and the Summit of the Future.
I would like to thank you for the guidance and direction you¡¯ve provided.
I also take this opportunity to express gratitude for the contributions and support by UN entities and Secretariats of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies, in the preparations for this Segment.
With the invaluable contributions from across the UN systems, DESA¡¯s dedicated UN system SDG Implementation Database continues to provide a gateway to the impressive work of the UN system, to support countries in their efforts to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on the ground.
I would like to also express our gratitude to you, Ambassador Akan Rakhmetullin, and your team for your invaluable guidance and leadership in the preparations for this Segment.
Excellencies,
The UN system stands ready to support countries in their efforts to expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, accelerate the eradication of poverty and address the multiple challenges facing our world.
Thank you.