The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is a vital global platform that focuses on sustainable development. The upcoming HLPF, to be held from July 10 to 14 in New York, will center around accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the comprehensive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.
The Significance of the HLPF:
The HLPF, held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the primary United Nations platform for sustainable development. Its key role is to facilitate the follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. The HLPF brings together all UN Member States and representatives from civil society organizations, creating a space for collaboration and collective action.
Focus Areas for the 2023 HLPF:
The central theme of the 2023 HLPF is “Accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the comprehensive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.” During this event, in-depth reviews will be conducted on five specific SDGs:
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: This goal aims to ensure access to clean water and adequate sanitation for all, addressing water scarcity, water pollution, and inadequate sanitation facilities.
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The focus is on ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources while transitioning to clean and renewable energy alternatives.
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This goal emphasizes the development of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure and promoting innovation and sustainable industrialization.
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The objective is to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements, focusing on affordable housing, sustainable transport, and access to green spaces.
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: This goal underscores the importance of fostering global partnerships to support the implementation of the SDGs, including finance, technology transfer, capacity-building, and collaboration.
Additionally, the 2023 HLPF will support the mid-term review of the SDGs’ implementation and prepare for the 2023 SDG Summit, which will be convened under the auspices of the UN General Assembly in September 2023.
Understanding the HLPF:
- The establishment of the HLPF was mandated in 2012 by the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as “The Future We Want.” It replaced the Commission on Sustainable Development and now meets annually for eight days in July under the auspices of ECOSOC.
- As the main United Nations platform on sustainable development, the HLPF plays a crucial role in global follow-up and review processes. It provides an opportunity for countries to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify strategies to advance the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.