Your Excellency, President of ECOSOC,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
This year’s high-level segment of ECOSOC has been marked by substantive and thoughtful dialogue, and a spirit of genuine collaboration.
Mr. President, under your able leadership, with the ECOSOC Bureau and the full engagement of Member States and other stakeholders, this High-Level Segment has given new momentum to the work of the Council to advance sustainable development.
As we all know, this year's high-level segment took place at a time of profound global uncertainty – but also immense possibility.
The recently launched SDG Report 2025 provides a less rosy picture. Only 35 per cent of SDG targets are on track or making moderate progress. Nearly half are moving too slowly, and 18 per cent are regressing.
Yet the solutions are within reach – if we act collectively with urgency and ambition, and demonstrate bold leadership and a renewed commitment to multilateralism.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Throughout its 2025 cycle, ECOSOC has responded to global challenges not with despair, but with determination and decisive action.
The Council has brought together governments, the UN system, and other stakeholders to advance dialogue on many vital issues such as financing for development, the science-policy interface, artificial intelligence, displacement, the empowerment of women and girls, and the nexus between peace and development.
It has fostered stronger coordination across the UN system and elevated voices often left out – especially youth and marginalized communities.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of ECOSOC in January 2026, today’s discussion reaffirms the Council’s unique role in integrating the economic, social, and environmental pillars of sustainable development, and advancing the inclusive implementation of UN frameworks, including the SDGs, the Pact for the Future, the Sevilla Commitment, and the Nice Ocean Action Plan.
Let us carry forward the momentum generated by these global summits, recommit to inclusive and effective multilateralism, and drive bold transitions that can secure a prosperous, sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive future for all.
As the secretariat of the ECOSOC, UN DESA stands ready to support you every step of the way.
Thank you.