The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the principal EU body representing organised civil society, is set to participate in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) held in New York from 10-19 July, 2023. A delegation led by EESC President Oliver Röpke will attend from 17 to 19 July.
As the United Nations’ pivotal platform for the review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the High-Level Political Forum assembles global stakeholders to assess progress and plan strategies for sustainable development. The EESC, in its capacity as an official advisory body, champions the voice of European citizens and advocates sustainable policies aligned with EU priorities.
The EESC has established key objectives for HLPF 2023: Policy Advocacy, Knowledge Sharing, Partnerships, and Monitoring Progress. The committee aims to influence the global sustainable development agenda, facilitate knowledge exchange, build strategic alliances, and assess the progress of EU policies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, it has prepared a comprehensive contribution available as an accompanying document to the EU Voluntary Reviews (EU VR).
The HLPF 2023 will focus on accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda at all levels. An in-depth review of specific SDGs, including Goals 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17, will be undertaken, providing a platform to assess developments in water and sanitation management, energy accessibility, infrastructure, urban sustainability, and global partnerships.
The EESC and the European Commission will co-host a side event focusing on the EU VR on 19 July. This provides a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue about the EU’s sustainable development journey.
At the UN HLPF 2023, the EU, led by EESC, will engage, advocate, and promote sustainable development for a more resilient, inclusive, and greener future.
Additional information –
- HLPF website:
https://hlpf.un.org/2023 (programme)- 38 countries and the European Union will start presenting their Voluntary National Review (VNRs) or the actions they are taking to advance the SDGs on 14 July and continue during the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from 17 to 19 July.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the EU’s progress report
- Sustainable Development in Ireland: over 80% of targets achieved
Additional Special Events:
- The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition – A High-Level Event “Call to Action” (10 July)
- SDG Learning, Training and Practice Workshops (10-14 July)
- Tracking SDG7: The Energy Progress Report and the SDG7 Policy Briefs (11 July)
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report (12 July)
- Local and Regional Governments Forum (12 July)
- Local2030 Coalition Special Event (12 July)
- Science Day – Evidence-based strategies for SDG Acceleration (15 July)
- Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference (16 July)
- Higher Education Sustainability Initiative Global Forum (17 July)
- SDG 6 & Water Action Agenda Special Event (17 July)
- 2023 SDG Global Business Forum (18 July)
- Parliamentary Forum (18 July)
For more information on all special events and side events, see https://hlpf.un.org/2023/other-events
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