Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Societies at HLPF

The 2018 meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) convened from 9 to 18 July 2018, at UN Headquarters in New York. The meeting focused on the theme of “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.” During the first week of the meeting, the Forum reviewed progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, with a focus on resilient societies. Thematic reviews took place on:

• Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies – Building resilience;
• Advancing science, technology and innovation (STI) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Small island developing states (SIDS) perspective;
• Perspectives of least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and middle-income countries (MICs);
• Implementing the SDGs: lessons from the regions; and
• Perspectives of society.

In addition, the following SDGs were reviewed in detail:

• SDG 6 (water and sanitation);
• SDG 7 (energy);
• SDG 11 (sustainable cities);
• SDG 12 (sustainable consumption and production);
• SDG 15 (terrestrial ecosystems); and
• SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), which is reviewed annually.

The first week wrapped up with a session on “Leaving no one behind: Are we succeeding?” on Friday, 13 July.

The Ministerial Segment convened from 16-18 July, where 46 countries presented their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). The Ministerial Segment also included:

• the UN Secretary-General’s report on the theme and thematic discussions of the 2018 ECOSOC session;
• an address by the President of the UN Environment Assembly;
• reports from regional forums;
• the report of the Committee for Development Policy; and
• statements from ministers and other high-level representatives of Member States.

The UN Secretary-General delivered a keynote speech before the closing session of the Forum on Wednesday 18 July. A Ministerial Declaration was adopted on the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies” during the closing session, after voting on three paragraphs relating to: means of implementation (MOI) and global partnerships; peace and security; and gender equality. The Ministerial Declaration as whole was also put to a vote, following a request from the US. The Declaration was adopted by a vote of 164 in favour, 2 opposed, and 0 abstention.