HLPF Review and Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals
Over the past week, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the association in charge of reviewing the Agenda 2030, has come together to follow up with the results achieved until now and finding new ways to work towards the UN’s global targets that we know as the Sustainable Development Goals. In September 2013, the HLPF replaced the Commission on Sustainable Development which originated in 1993. The HLPF meets annually to discuss and work together in finding the most efficient ways to meet these realistic goals. The team is formed by a global group of country members, governments, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders.
As part of the meetings over the last week, the impact of COVID-19 on the SDGs the focal point of the discussions. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin report that “the impact of COVID-19 on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs, once again, loomed large” meaning that as the impact the pandemic has caused has created such instability, to be able to achieve the targets, it is mandatory to focus on stabilizing the damage caused by COVID-19 first.
The first session was dedicated to SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 17 (partnerships for the Goals) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) created the 2021 SDGs Report which noted that:
· The global poverty rate is projected to be 7% by 2030, missing the SDG target of 3%;
· Between 83 and 132 million people experienced hunger in 2020;
· And 255 million people lost full-time jobs, four times the number lost during the 2007-2009 financial crisis.
As the goals are all inherently connected, to be able to achieve the targets of one goal, it is necessary to work towards other goals too. The conference mentioned that climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are display challenges to end poverty and hunger.
During the conference, countries presented initiatives and commitments towards goals 1, 2 and 8. More specifically, Indonesia reported that the country is making it a national priority to increase food security, including waste management and improving agricultural production. Thailand is establishing a multidimensional approach towards ending poverty, also improving quality of life and financial security. And lastly, Finland, alongside the United Nations, are developing a system to support nutrition in schools to improve children’s health habits, which will be launched at the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS).
The second session was devoted to SDGs 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), and 17 (partnerships for the Goals). Below are the main points noted during this session:
· 1 million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are thrown away each year, and the global material footprint increased by 70% between 2000 and 2017;
· Greenhouse gas concentrations reached record highs in 2020;
· Foreign direct investment has dropped by up to 40%, and is below USD 1 trillion for the first time since 2005.
The moderator solicited more funding to be used for low carbon and nature positive investments and suggested that 10% should be reserved to support future responses to COVID-19. Additionally, China called on developed countries to mobilize USD 100 billion per year to fight climate change. Lastly, speakers highlighted how important it is to educate younger generations on sustainable consumption and production practices and engaging local authorities, in order to bring to a wider part of the communities.
The next and final SDGs that were reviewed in this conference were SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), while also including SDG 17 (partnerships) again. The main points cited were:
· Before COVID-19, many areas such as maternal health were improving, but the pandemic has halted or reversed progress in health;
· Worsening trends for peace and stability; mid-2020 saw the highest absolute number on record of people fleeing war, conflict, persecution, human rights violations, and other disruptions.
Mentioned during this time was how the COVID-19 pandemic is in-fact a “corruption crisis”, a metaphor for what needs to be changed in the health care system. The vaccination roll-out program has shown how corrupted the system is, seen since the wealthier countries end up being the ones with the most vaccines, a mirror of the existing inequalities. The health care system must be looked at as a “One Health” approach, being the only way to achieve the targets of SGD 10.
There has been a lack of consensus when it comes to the final declaration on the HLPF, which was due to be agreed on the 15th of July. Due to this conclusion, the co-facilitators have enquired to the President of the UN Economic and Social Council for consideration and submission of a paper explaining the all sides. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin coverage says that “while a disappointment, did not come as much of a surprise”.
