In closed sessions at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF), 8–18 July 2024, state delegations had negotiated for over 70 hours, with 20 informal and three informal sessions. These aimed at “making every effort to bring together the different opposing positions and present an ambitious and balanced [outcome] document,” as Pres. Narváez Ojeda put it. On 17 July, the last day of the 2024 HLPF, the SDGs’ interconnectedness came together in general debate over the outcome Ministerial Declaration. During the first week, the Forum reviewed SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. States were challenged to uphold their voluntary commitments to rebuilding trust and “light the path ahead” toward a just and sustainable future.
Many delegations spoke of solidarity, emphasizing that our convergent global crises have no borders, and “there can be no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development.” Beyond delegates repeating such words, observers witnessed how state behavior reveals which governments actually support either objective, and which do not.
On the last day, the general debate on the path from the 2023 SDG Summit toward the Summit of the Future continued with 38 contributions by high-level government officials and 31 by representatives of MGOS. Some focused on the SotF as future proof of states’ integrity in their commitment to the SDGs. Collectively, that will be reflected in the reform of multilateral institutions, including those working on financing development, peace and security, and human rights. The needed reform will be the indicator of restoring global trust in the ‘broken’ multilateral social contract promised in the UN Charter. Some stressed that the draft PftF is not transformative enough, and called for greater action to meet the ambition of the SDGs and uphold international law and world order.
The 2024 HLPF adopted a Ministerial Declaration following two votes: One seeking to include a last-minute addition, proposed by Belarus, Iran, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria on economic sanctions, or unilateral coercive measures, and one to retain text recognizing the importance of peace and security to achieving the SDGs, including a call to uphold the right to self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation.
The UK opposed the former amendment, characterizing its introduction as too late and an effort to “cherry pick” from the 2030 Agenda. The amendment was put to a vote with 105 voting in favor, 11 voting against, and 46 abstaining. After the vote, the EU dissociated themselves from the adopted amendment, explaining that its constituent countries opposed it “on principle, as well as process,” charging that it reflected “false narratives.”
The second vote was on Israel’s proposal to delete the paragraph reflecting language enshrined in paragraph 35 of the 2030 Agenda resolution, as the United States succeeded to do in the 2024 HLPF. Consistent with that language already in the 2030 Agenda called for redoubled efforts to end conflict, “in
conformity with international law, to remove the obstacles to the full realization of the right to self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which continue to adversely affect their economic and social development as well as their environment.”
Uganda, representing the G-77+China, expressed disappointment at this call for a vote regarding the retention of a paragraph recognizing that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and that peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development. When submitted to a vote, 122 delegations voted for, 2 (Israel and United States) voted against, and 39 abstained. The paragraph was retained in the Ministerial Declaration, with the US delegation echoing Israel by explaining its negative vote as opposing “narrow political ends.”
The Ministerial Declaration, as amended, was then adopted without a vote.
Lamenting the slow progress made in achieving the SDGs, one presenter encouraged Member states to think beyond the 2030 deadline, saying “The UN has given us a benchmark, but the sky is the limit for all of us.”
In closing statements, Mr. Li Junhua reflected that the SDGs continue to inspire, unite, and mobilize efforts worldwide, noting the 2030 Agenda remains the only blueprint to advance sustainable development. ECOSOC President Narváez Ojeda stressed the HLPF is fulfilling its mission to assess progress, share lessons learned, and determine priorities. Attempting to end on a positive note, she concluded that HLPF 2024 had demonstrated it is not too late to make sustainable development a reality, and called the HLPF to a close at 6:10 pm.
Photo on the frontpage: Feeling alone at HLPF. Source: UNEP. Photo on this page: Screen at HLPF showing the voting record on the proposed amendement to restore peace-and-security language to the Ministerial Declaration.
