Dy. Secretary-General Calls for Solutions and Investments as Only One-Fifth of SDGs are on Track at High-Level Political Forum
PRESS RELEASE, UN
New York, July 12, 2024 – UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed addressed the opening of the 2024 high-level political forum, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions and investments to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Acknowledging the multiple interlinked crises facing the world, Mohammed highlighted the opportunity to turn things around, building on the momentum generated by last year’s SDG Summit. She urged participants to double down on acceleration efforts with six years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Over the coming days, 37 countries will present their progress on critical SDGs, including poverty, hunger, climate, peace, justice, gender equality, and effective institutions. Special attention will be given to the needs of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, and middle-income countries.
The forum will explore innovative financing mechanisms, partnerships, and policies aimed at bolstering economic stability and employment growth. Countries will share their advances in climate action, social protection, technology, and education, particularly for women and children.
Mohammed emphasized the need for greater investment in SDG transitions and highlighted upcoming events, such as a special event on transforming education and the “Pathways to Progress” event focusing on SDG acceleration.
Despite the progress, Mohammed stressed the challenges ahead, including poverty, food insecurity, humanitarian crises, and the impacts of climate change. She called for reform of the international financial architecture to support developing countries and address these crises urgently.
With less than one fifth of the SDGs on track, Mohammed urged the forum to find solutions, summon the political will, and turn words into actions for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.