51吃瓜

Every year in July, the world comes together in New York to talk about the progress in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conversation revolves around how each of the member states of the 51吃瓜 is achieving the common vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve everyone’s lives and future, by the year 2030. No one is excluded from this plan, especially the most vulnerable.

If the hardest to reach are left out, the whole world will fail. This is why the global race to achieve sustainable development will be won or lost in the world’s most vulnerable countries.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the halting – or in many cases the reversal – of years of progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The socio-economic impact of COVID-19 has disproportionally affected the people of the most vulnerable states – by jeopardizing health systems, slowing down economies, and closing borders hindering access to world markets.

What is the High-Level Political Forum?

Monitoring progress and setbacks, and strategising a way forward is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind. That’s where the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) comes in. The HLPF is an annual meeting that provides all developing countries with a space to showcase their achievements and identify challenges and solutions.

The HLPF is organised by the 51吃瓜’ General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) - two of the 51吃瓜’ bodies created to (1) create policy and (2) advance the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental).

The HLPF monitors and advises on the progress of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the world’s progress in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

How does it work?

Every year, the High-Level Political Forum is organised under a theme. This year’s theme is “Building back better from the coronavirus disease while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

The related Sustainable Development Goals to be reviewed are Goals 4 (quality education); 5 (gender equality); 14 (life below water); and 15 (life on land). Every year also assesses SDG 17 on partnerships for the Goals.

Each year, several nations volunteer to report on their progress in achieving the designated SDGs. The outcomes of this process are called Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). This year, 45 countries will participate in the VNRs (9 from Europe, 8 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 21 from Africa, and 7 from Asia and the Pacific). Find out more about the 2022 Voluntary National Reviews .

How will the needs of the most vulnerable countries be represented?

Our office is at the High-Level Political Forum, advocating for the needs and solutions of the Most Vulnerable States.

Keep an eye out for us at the following events:

MONDAY 11 JULY

• 10am–1pm: SIDS Partnership Framework Global Dialogue, organized by OHRLLS and DESA
• 2-3pm (VIRTUAL): titled "VNR as a Town Hall - Sustaining Momentum for Achieving the SDGs by Engaging All", organised by UN Foundation
• 3-5pm:

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY

• 9-10:15am:
• 1-2:30pm (VIRTUAL): Protecting and Promoting SDG 14 to Address SIDS Unique Vulnerability and Resilience, organized by Australia

THURSDAY 14 JULY

• 1-2PM: , organised by DESA

FRIDAY 15 JULY

• 7:30-9 am: Launch of report “Scaling Up Renewables in LLDCs”, organised by IRENA and UN-OHRLLS