Report on the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Written by: Priscilla Garces and Rachel Beth Tamayo
This report was written by representatives of WFWPI to the UN HQ in New York.

The United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was established in 2012 during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) through the outcome document, "The Future We Want." Serving as the main UN platform for reviewing and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the HLPF plays a pivotal role in global efforts toward sustainability. As outlined in General Assembly resolution 67/290, the HLPF meets annually under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for eight days, including a three-day ministerial segment, and every four years under the General Assembly for two days at the Heads of State and Government level.

HLPF Week 2024, held from July 8-17 at UN Headquarters, provided an essential forum for global leaders and stakeholders to strategize on advancing the SDGs in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises. The theme, “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient, and Innovative Solutions,” guided the forum’s review of five key SDGs: eradicating poverty (SDG 1), ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 2), combating climate change (SDG 13), promoting inclusive societies and justice (SDG 16), and revitalizing global partnerships (SDG 17).

WFWPI UN Representatives Rachel Beth Tamayo, Julie Hatulan, Dr. Elaine Duval, Maria Garces, Priscilla Garces, Anupam Dutta, and WFWPI UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan had the privilege of attending the opening and closing days of the event together. In her opening remarks, ECOSOC President, H.E. Ms. Paula Narváez, stressed the urgent need for humanitarian interventions and preventive actions in protracted conflicts, while UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs H.E. Mr. Li Junhua revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, calling for bold initiatives in peacebuilding and financial reform. Additionally, UNDP Administrator H.E. Mr. Achim Steiner highlighted the devastating impacts of the global debt crisis on essential services.

The forum featured in-depth sessions on science, technology, and innovation, along with exchanges of experiences through 36 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Several key launches occurred, including the UN system-wide strategy on water and sanitation, the 2024 Global Report on Climate and SDGs Synergy, and the Higher Education for Sustainability Initiative.

Among the notable events was a panel on "The Crucial Role of Training and Technology for SDG Advancement," led by H.E. Mr. Marco A. Suazo and Ms. Lotta Tahtinen, which underscored the importance of modern governance systems and digital literacy. Dr. Yasar Jarrar emphasized the need for education to advance policies, technology, and partnerships. Priscilla Garces also shared her insights on the benefits of technology for people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of balancing technological reliability and regulatory policies to ensure data privacy and safety.

The week concluded with contentious votes on two paragraphs of the Ministerial Declaration—one addressing the link between peace and sustainable development, and another critiquing the effects of unilateral coercive measures (economic sanctions) on poverty and food security. Despite these disagreements, HLPF Week 2024 underscored a strong global commitment to the SDGs, providing valuable insights and strategies to propel progress toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

In summary, HLPF 2024 focused on the urgent need for inclusive policies, partnerships, and investments to meet SDG targets. The forum highlighted the importance of modern tools for policy development, training, and proactive partnerships to create a sustainable future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.