The 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
The general debate started on September 24 and ended on September 30. Viewed long overdue, Heads of State reconvened for the first time since 2015 to wrestle with how the world will finance the Sustainable Development Goals.
On Thursday, 26 September, the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, the first such dialogue since the adoption of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) in July 2015, discussed how to accelerate progress in the implementation of the AAAA and financing the 2030 Agenda, through energizing growth and tackling challenges in the global economy, encouraging public and private investment to align with the 2030 Agenda, and promoting new and innovative initiatives that target gaps in financing sustainable development.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, which was also the first meeting of the High-level Political Forum to convene under the auspices of the UNGA since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, took place on 24-25 September, to follow up and review progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs, with just over a decade left to the target date of 2030.
Heads of State and Government described critical entry points for accelerating the achievement of the SDGs as fighting poverty and inequality; achieving sustainable cities and communities; promoting sustainable consumption and production; political commitment; financing; public administration systems; improved data collection; access to justice; and women’s rights.
The week ended on Friday, 27 September, with the High-level Midterm Review of the Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, which discussed progress made in addressing the priorities of small island developing states through the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway.
In his presentation, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said SIDS are on the frontline of protecting and conserving the ocean. To help SIDS to achieve the 2030 Agenda will require tools, lessons, and examples for the entire world.
A roundtable discussion on progress, gaps and challenges discussed a range of topics, including climate finance, integration of the SAMOA Pathway into business and strategic plans, graduation and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Participants recognized unique challenges faced by SIDS, including small populations and landmasses, and vulnerability to external shocks.