Your Excellency, Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, Presidentof the Economic and Social Council,Excellencies,Distinguished Delegates,Colleagues,Ladies and Gentlemen,
The 2017 High-level Political Forum is coming to its conclusion.
I am sure delegations, UN entities and stakeholder groups have a lot to offer on the work of this HLPF.
We will carry out a survey to seek your feedback.
For now, allow me to share a few thoughts.
The HLPF is fulfilling its role as the central global platform for the follow up and review of the SDGs. It builds on a vast range of national and regional activities, and the work of intergovernmental bodies. Its programme is truly enriching. It offers a much needed space for exchange of experiences, peer learning, and sharing of lessons learned, as well as for identifying gaps.
Some of you were not able to intervene to the fullest extent possible due to time constraints. I urge you to share your full-length interventions with us. They can be posted online and studied carefully across the world.
Distinguished Delegates,
Having heard 43 voluntary national reviews, I am truly impressed with the political leadership and national commitments. And I am equally encouraged by the integration of the SDGs into national legislation, national plans and indeed national conscience. However, it is noted that the most significant impact was the process itself that happened at the national level.All VNR countries underlined it. These VNRs showed, not only where countries are in terms of implementation, but also where they want to go, and how to get there.
I am also encouraged by the number and diversity of speakers who actively participated in the discussions, during both panel discussions and the Voluntary National Reviews.
The Partnership Exchange, the SDG Business Forum, the HLPF Learning Centre, as well as side events – all offered additional venues for sharing information, lessons learned, and peer learning. I thank the organizers for their dedication and engagement.
Despite these accomplishments, the High-level Political Forum can do more and better, if it is fully empowered with more resources and meeting facilities.
Excellencies.Ladies and Gentlemen
In conclusion, allow me to say that this is my last HLPF as the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
I am proud to have been part of the historic process that brought us all here today.
The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs unify us, no matter the differences among us. It also demonstrates that multilateralism is very much alive and that the United Nations is still relevant.
Let us continue with the same spirit, enthusiasm and engagement.
Let us prove ourselves capable of delivering on the SDGs, for the future of humanity, and for the future of our Planet.
Please carry on.
Thank you.
The 2017 High-level Political Forum is coming to its conclusion.
I am sure delegations, UN entities and stakeholder groups have a lot to offer on the work of this HLPF.
We will carry out a survey to seek your feedback.
For now, allow me to share a few thoughts.
The HLPF is fulfilling its role as the central global platform for the follow up and review of the SDGs. It builds on a vast range of national and regional activities, and the work of intergovernmental bodies. Its programme is truly enriching. It offers a much needed space for exchange of experiences, peer learning, and sharing of lessons learned, as well as for identifying gaps.
Some of you were not able to intervene to the fullest extent possible due to time constraints. I urge you to share your full-length interventions with us. They can be posted online and studied carefully across the world.
Distinguished Delegates,
Having heard 43 voluntary national reviews, I am truly impressed with the political leadership and national commitments. And I am equally encouraged by the integration of the SDGs into national legislation, national plans and indeed national conscience. However, it is noted that the most significant impact was the process itself that happened at the national level.All VNR countries underlined it. These VNRs showed, not only where countries are in terms of implementation, but also where they want to go, and how to get there.
I am also encouraged by the number and diversity of speakers who actively participated in the discussions, during both panel discussions and the Voluntary National Reviews.
The Partnership Exchange, the SDG Business Forum, the HLPF Learning Centre, as well as side events – all offered additional venues for sharing information, lessons learned, and peer learning. I thank the organizers for their dedication and engagement.
Despite these accomplishments, the High-level Political Forum can do more and better, if it is fully empowered with more resources and meeting facilities.
Excellencies.Ladies and Gentlemen
In conclusion, allow me to say that this is my last HLPF as the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
I am proud to have been part of the historic process that brought us all here today.
The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs unify us, no matter the differences among us. It also demonstrates that multilateralism is very much alive and that the United Nations is still relevant.
Let us continue with the same spirit, enthusiasm and engagement.
Let us prove ourselves capable of delivering on the SDGs, for the future of humanity, and for the future of our Planet.
Please carry on.
Thank you.
File date:
Wednesday, July 19, 2017