As a youth representative for the IBVM/CJ NGO, I had the opportunity to attend the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The HLPF is an annual forum established to reflect and discuss actions required to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is also the time when countries report on their progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Voluntary National Reviews.
There were a diverse range of themes discussed throughout the forum. In particular, three key priorities stood out for me: improving data collection, localizing the SDGs, and implementing bold actions.
1.Data Collection: The SDGs are statistics, so if you don’t have data then you don’t know where you’re going. Improving data collection is therefore essential for effective policy making and the achievement of the SDGs. It’s also necessary to ensure that this data is disaggregated by gender and effectively communicated through media channels to enhance public awareness and engagement. As advocates for change, we should all strive to collect data and use this as a tool for influencing policy decisions.
2. Localise the SDGs: Effective progress towards the SDGs requires widespread awareness and engagement. One notable suggestion was to involve more citizens in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process, turning it into an opportunity for national dialogue. Furthermore, localising the SDGs through community-based VNRs can educate individuals about these goals and empower them to demand accountability from their local governments.
3. Bold Action: We need bold action for change. The 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report highlighted that only 17% of the SDGs are on track to be achieved by 2030. This stagnation is perpetuating human suffering and demands decisive action across several fronts:
- Peace: Immediate resolution of conflicts to create stable environments conducive to sustainable development.
- Finance: Reformation of international financial structures to increase investment in SDGs.
- Implementation: Promotion of innovation and empowerment initiatives, particularly for women and girls, to accelerate SDG progress.
During the two-week forum, I attended many meetings and side events, each dedicated to different SDGs. Here are some of the key insights I gained from the sessions that resonated with me most:
Implementing the SDGs through Simulation: Building Peace, Climate Action, and Partnerships: This was a standout session focused on localising climate solutions and the role of NGOs in promoting climate justice. It was refreshing to participate in a small group discussion that fostered intimate dialogue and genuine exchange of ideas—a contrast to larger, more formal settings where dialogue can sometimes feel one-sided. This experience underscored the importance of inclusive, grassroots-level engagement in developing impactful solutions.
Transforming Education: This session highlighted education as a global catalyst for cooperation. Key points emphasised included the need for adequately compensating and supporting teachers, establishing respected teacher accreditation systems, and ensuring essential resources like water, sanitation, and health are accessible to all students. The session also advocated for innovative financial mechanisms such as debt swaps to redirect funds from debt servicing to education financing.
Feminist Economies: The discussion on feminist economies challenged conventional economic measurements and their impact in defining development. Speakers highlighted significant flaws in GDP, which prioritizes growth at the expense of equality, thereby incentivizing activities that may not benefit society as a whole. Additionally, GDP fails to acknowledge the substantial contribution of domestic work, perpetuating its undervaluation and exacerbating inequalities in household labor distribution. This critique emphasised the need for alternative measures that more accurately reflect societal well-being and development.
Plight on the Road to Dignity: The Intersections between Poverty, Hunger, Climate Change, Migration and Human Trafficking Confirmation: Finally, one of the sessions I enjoyed the most was our side event, which was one focused on advocacy rooted in social justice. A key message was the need to understand the structural causes that enable the conditions for injustice. Once you understand these structural causes, then you can advocate for change. I was quite impressed by The Mary Ward Centre’s Spanish language radio program: “End Human Trafficking: A Commitment for All,” a popular education strategy for the prevention of trafficking in Canada and Latin America. This showcased the power of grassroots efforts in driving policy change and reinforced the critical link between community-based initiatives and advocacy efforts for sustainable change.
Participating in the HLPF deepened my understanding of global challenges and has inspired me to be even more of an advocate for sustainable solutions, particularly at the local level. These insights highlight the vital role of youth and grassroots organizations in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future as we strive towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Author: Lauren Grant, Youth Representative
