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UN Photo/Loey Felipe

2024 High-Level Political Forum: The SDGs Caught in Geopolitical Tensions

Seeing the visible signs of fragmentation on common issues in the UN’s foremost platform for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations (UN) High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is an annual forum under the auspices of ECOSOC for the review of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the Forum convened at UN Headquarters in New York from 8-17 July 2024. Taking place under the theme "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”, this year's Forum reviewed 5 SDGs: SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 16 (peaceful institutions), SDG 17 (partnerships). While the HLPF does not tend to make global headlines in the same way that the UN General Assembly does every September, the Forum remains the UN's primary gathering for high-level representatives to draw global attention to their national and political commitment to the 2030 Agenda, and in turn, to the multilateral system. The Forum consisted of a three-day Ministerial segment with speeches from 115 Ministers, Vice-Ministers, Permanent Representatives and others. Further, more than 250 high-level special events, Voluntary National Review (VNR) labs, side events and exhibitions took place in person and online.

Youth, Peace & Security with Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs

Discussion and Reception

The Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda introduced with the adoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 marked a milestone for the international community. The resolution underscored the growing recognition of young people’s essential role in peace and security. Yet significant challenges remain to live up to the promise of the YPS Agenda, including structural barriers limiting the participation of young people and their capacity to influence decision-making. According to UN estimates, one in four young people today are either living in, or are affected by, settings affected by armed conflicts and violence.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

A South African case study for international dialogue and solidarity for justice and lasting peace

Nelson Mandela International Day

Despite the noises from extremists, ending Apartheid gave South Africa a chance to come together as a nation and built a peaceful and prosperous future together. The establishment of our constitutional democracy laid a solid basis for peace, progress and prosperity. Our Constitution as the supreme law of our country affirms the notion of an open and democratic society, underpinned by a set of higher, fundamental values based on human dignity, equality and freedom.

Collaboration between Resident Coordinators and Employer Federations to Achieve the SDGs

KAS-IOE Event

On 16 July, on the margins of the High-Level Political Forum, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) New York and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) convened an event to share best practices and promote collaboration between UN Resident Coordinators and employer federations collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNGA Resolution on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

IOE-KAS Report

Following the adoption of Resolution A/76L.75 "the right to access a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right" by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the International Organisations of Employers (IOE) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) developed a joint paper: “UNGA Resolution on the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment - Legal and Practical Considerations for Employers”. This paper elaborates on the new expectations from the UNGA resolution, including its legal and practical implications, and offers an outlook on the way forward for employers.

On the status of parliamentarism in general and in Germany in particular

International Day of Parliamentarism

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, I would like to take the opportunity to make some basic remarks on the status of parliamentarism in general and in Germany in particular. June 30 is no coincidence because it is the date on which the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was founded in 1889 as a multilateral political organization to promote international cooperation and resolve conflicts through parliamentary dialogue.

Innovation Horizon: Strengthening community-based primary healthcare in the digital age

Expert Discussion

On 11 June 2024, KAS New York held an expert discussion entitled, "Innovation Horizon: Strengthening community-based primary healthcare in the digital age". The event brought together the diverse experience of the United Nations system, Member States, the private sector and civil society to discuss the nexus between community-based primary healthcare and science, technology and innovation.

LAC of multilateral leadership?

How the Latin American and Caribbean region engages in the multilateral system, its current challenges and its untapped opportunities

The Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region stands at a critical moment for global governance. It has a rare opportunity to shape agendas of the G-20, the UN Summit of the Future, the Conference of the Parties (COPs) on climate and biodiversity, as well as the Fourth Conference on Financing for Development and the ECOSOC agenda. However, while the region stands at the epicenter of global debates, it does not live up to its full potential for exerting multilateral leadership. How can the region overcome this lack of multilateral leadership?

MFA/D.Panagos

Key Priorities of the Foreign Policy of Greece in View of the Candidature to the UN Security Council 2025-2026

A Conversation with H.E. George Gerapetritis, Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Amid unprecedented global challenges and multiplying conflicts, the United Nations Security Council—as the primary organ tasked with maintaining peace and security worldwide—remains more critical than ever. However, widening geopolitical rifts, intensifying political polarization, and the misuse of veto power by its permanent members have paralyzed the Council, constricting its action on pressing issues. Non-permanent, or elected, members have a unique opportunity to positively impact and influence the Council’s work and dynamics.

UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz

Multilateralism in Action: Marking the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Over 70,000 UN peacekeepers serve in 11 missions around the globe today. They provide life-saving services such as upholding ceasefires, clearing land mines, and protecting civilians from violence in conflict-affected areas. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, on 29 May, pays tribute to the honourable service and sacrifice of peacekeepers and the communities they serve. To mark the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, shares his perspectives on peacekeeping today and tomorrow in our latest UN Agora Blog post.  

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