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The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) wrapped up at UN Headquarters in New York, following 10 days of intensive discussions among Member States, civil society, and UN agencies on advancing the 2030 Agenda.
Member States adopted a Ministerial Declaration with 154 votes in favour, while the United States and Israel voted against, and Paraguay and Iran abstained. The declaration reaffirmed the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda as the roadmap for tackling interconnected crises. “Let us leave this HLPF with renewed resolve and responsibility to lead the way forward,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Junhua Li.
Marking 15 years of annual HLPF sessions, this year’s forum reviewed five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), life below water (SDG 14), and partnerships (SDG 17). Negotiations were led by Czechia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who stressed that persistent global challenges continue to jeopardize SDG achievement.
The Secretary-General’s report revealed that only 18% of the Goals are currently on track, with poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis identified as critical obstacles. The Declaration underscored the need for peace, strong governance, and partnerships, affirming that “sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security.”
The outcome also highlighted the urgency of collective action in an era of uncertainty, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to multilateralism as it marks its 80th anniversary. ECOSOC President Bob Rae emphasized that the HLPF must continue to serve not only as a forum for dialogue but as a driver of practical solutions, especially for those most at risk of being left behind.
