Thomas Gass, UN DESA's Assistant Secretary- General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, invites the online community to join him in a Twitter chat on 8 July from 8:30 to 9:30 am EDT to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What must be done to achieve these goals? How can we make sure that everyone is included? Join the chat and post questions using #SDGsChat!

With the 2030 Agenda and its 17 transformative SDGs, the international community has the basis of a new social contract between the governments of the world and their peoples. It is a solemn promise – to leave no one behind. “I look forward to discuss with the online community what this actually means, and the important role that the SDGs play in this context,” said Thomas Gass ahead of the Twitter chat.

The chat event takes place in the lead up to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, which kicks off on 11 July. The chat offers an opportunity for participants to learn more about the Forum, the apex body for countries to review and follow up on SDGs implementation.

“During the chat, I look forward to a dialogue and answering any questions that participants may have on the SDGs and their realization, as well as on this upcoming Forum,” said Thomas Gass. “We need all hands on deck to implement these goals, and I hope that this chat will also shed light on ways for people to take action in their own communities to achieve the goals,” he added.

To share questions or comments with Thomas Gass, join the chat on Friday, 8 July from 8:30 to 9:30 am EDT and tweet to @ThomasGass on using #SDGsChat. Questions can also be shared in advance with the event hashtag #SDGsChat.

“One year ago, I held my first Twitter chat to discuss the SDGs before they were adopted,” said Thomas Gass. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with so many people and to discuss what matters to them. I look forward to this opportunity again on 8 July and hope that people from all corners of the world will be able to join!”