2021 HLPF Report
The United Nations High Level Political Forum (UN HLPF) on sustainable development is an opportunity for countries to follow-up and review progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year, the UN HLPF’s theme focused discussion on a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19 with the theme “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.”
From the UN HLPF’s Opening, to the side events, to the Closing, forum attendees heard that in many cases, progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has begun to regress. Now, more than ever, States must consider policies that put climate action at the forefront and ensure greater vaccine access to promote global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were up for review this year: 1 - No Poverty; 2 - Zero Hunger; 3 - Good Health and Well-Being; 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth; 12 - Responsible Consumption; 13 - Climate Action; 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and 17 - Partnerships in Depth.
Side-events during the UN HLPF Programme discussed the linkages between the SDGs, emphasizing that the intersections between each goal is integral in making lasting progress. Many local and grassroots organizations highlighted the work of Indigenous groups across the globe and the role of traditional knowledge in climate change and food sovereignty. Additionally, local groups also discussed inclusive education, equal opportunity and access to COVID-19 vaccines, increased access to technology and digital connectivity, and the importance of leveraging partnerships across government, private sector, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and civil society to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Stakeholder meetings leading up to the event were crucial in setting the stage for this year’s UN HLPF. This year’s delegation met with Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, as well as Member of Parliament Heather McPherson, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Canadian chapter of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Roots Exchange, and the Major Group on Children and Youth. Stakeholders provided various perspectives on Canada’s achievements and challenges in meeting the 2030 Agenda, the importance of internalizing the SDGs to everyday people, and what it means to “meet” each 2030 target.