- World leaders agree to take immediate action to unlock more and better financing for developing countries
At the SDG Summit held on September 18th and 19th, world leaders convened and reached a unanimous agreement to significantly intensify their efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These goals represent our global roadmap for navigating through crises and fostering a sustainable future.
World leaders initially made an historic commitment to safeguard the rights and well-being of all individuals on a thriving and healthy planet when they endorsed the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs back in 2015. However, as we find ourselves at the midway point of SDG implementation, the SDGs face considerable challenges. Since 2020, tens of millions have plunged into poverty, and over 110 million people have been forcibly displaced. Inequalities have deepened, particularly affecting women and girls. Many governments are grappling with the difficult choice between servicing debt obligations and investing in essential healthcare and education. Furthermore, the climate crisis continues to wreak havoc on lives and livelihoods, with developing nations and the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of these crises.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized, “The SDGs aren’t just a checklist of objectives. They carry the hopes, dreams, rights, and expectations of people worldwide. Yet, currently, only 15 percent of the targets are on track, with many regressing. Instead of ensuring that no one is left behind, we run the risk of leaving the SDGs behind.”
During the Summit, leaders adopted a resolute, action-focused political declaration that underlined their collective commitment to constructing a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world by 2030. The declaration places a strong emphasis on the means of implementation, particularly in terms of financing for development. It acknowledges that, without a substantial increase in investments to facilitate equitable transitions in energy, food, digital technology, and education, as well as robust social protection in developing nations, the SDGs will remain elusive.
Additionally, the declaration urges immediate action to implement an SDG Stimulus proposed by the UN Secretary-General, calling for a significant boost in financing, amounting to $500 billion annually, to achieve the SDGs. It also reflects widespread support from all nations for a necessary overhaul of the international financial system to better align with the current global economy.
The Summit witnessed over 100 countries presenting their national commitments to SDG Transformation, encompassing priority transitions, investment areas, and establishing national benchmarks to reduce poverty and inequality by 2027. Developed nations and others with the capacity are expected to make individual global commitments, drawing from the Secretary-General’s proposal for an SDG Stimulus and other means of implementation, including fulfilling Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments, suspending debt payments, and exploring innovative financial mechanisms.
Recognizing that the achievement of the SDGs requires collective effort beyond governments, the SDG Action Weekend on September 16th and 17th provided a platform for over 3000 participants from diverse sectors to outline their commitments to accelerate progress on the SDGs. The SDG Mobilization Day, on September 16th, saw contributions from businesses, civil society, scientists, local authorities, and young people, all dedicated to advancing SDG implementation. On September 17th, the SDG Acceleration Day showcased UN High-Impact Initiatives, illustrating that transformation is attainable and aiming to generate momentum for on-the-ground action in the years ahead. These initiatives focus on six key transitions that will drive progress across the SDGs, with a strong emphasis on gender equality.
The Summit’s opening featured statements from President of the General Assembly Dennis Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and President of the Economic and Social Council Paula Narvaéz. The two-day Summit includes a plenary segment to highlight actions and commitments made on behalf of groups of States. Additionally, six Leaders’ Dialogues enable Heads of State and Government to report on progress and outline concrete national commitments toward SDG transformation.
The SDG Media Zone stands as a central feature of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, bringing together world leaders, influencers, activists, experts, content creators, and media partners to spotlight actions and solutions supporting the SDGs. Organized by the UN Department of Global Communications in collaboration with the PVBLIC Foundation, the SDG Media Zone takes the conversation on advancing the 2030 Agenda into the public discourse through impactful in-depth interviews and discussions on global issues that resonate with people worldwide. All sessions will be livestreamed on UN WebTV.
The SDG Pavilion, created to mark the halfway point of the SDGs, is akin to a beacon for the Sustainable Development Goals. While we may be at halftime in this endeavor, the good news is that many matches are won in the second half. Organized by the UN Office for Partnerships in collaboration with Project Everyone, the SDG Pavilion will host a series of Halftime Talks and a high-level gathering of women leaders, mobilizing the world to uphold the promise of the SDGs. These sessions will also be livestreamed on UN WebTV.
