(8th meeting) High-Level Political Forum 2025
Economic and Social Council
Date: 17 July 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/asset/k1u/k1u2et4xit?lang=en
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [0:03]:

Good afternoon, everybody. I think it's time to start, if you don't mind. I'm going to call the meeting to order in an informal way because there's a small presentation ceremony that we're going to do. But I want, first of all, just to say a few words about one of the great features of the life of ECOSOC is the strong relationship we have with the multi-stakeholders group and with civil society throughout, throughout the world. It's a critical element of the life of ECOSOC, which is founded in the responsibilities that we were given in the Charter. Important to recall We need to keep reminding ourselves because very few people necessarily are aware of it, but it's important to remember that the Economic and Social Council is a charter body. It's a body that was created as the United Nations was being created. It was part of the setup that was anticipated by the Charter of the United Nations. And it's important to recognize that one of the features of the work of the Council is the responsibility that we have to engage with civil society and to be a place where civil society more broadly can become part of the life of the UN. The UN is an organization whose charter begins with the words, We the Peoples. So the UN is— yes, it's about the nation-states, it's about sovereignty, it's about the integrity of nation-states. It's also about the health and well-being of every person who's living in the world and the dignity and rights of every person living in the world. And there are many, many ways in which people connect and relate to their governments and to the United Nations. It's therefore very important for us to recognize the importance of the participation of people representing all the elements of modern society in all of the states around the world. Because the Charter begins with the words, we the peoples, not just nations, states, or member states. Yes, of course, that's important, but it's also important to recognize the work and the rights of the populations, the peoples of the world. That are represented by all of the organizations that exist around the world. There are thousands upon thousands of civil society organizations, so we recognize them, we accept them, and we always have the obligation to think about the importance of this relationship. I became the president— one of the things that I discussed with the multi-stakeholder group with whom I meet every every month and other representatives of the Bureau. My successor, Ambassador Thapa, has been with us every step of the way. And we— I asked what, what could we do this year that would make a difference? And they said we need a handbook that actually helps to describe the complexities of working with the UN and also explains to the UN members the need to understand the work of civil society. I'm going to ask Rashima Khwatra, who's here as the moderator of the next session, to talk briefly about the handbook. We'll then do a little ceremony of handing it over, but it's now published and it's available. We really appreciate the fact that we've been able to do this. It's the product of the partnership between the member states and the members of civil society, but it was driven by the representatives of civil society with the help, of course, of our friends in the Secretariat and elsewhere. So, Rashima, if you take it away.


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [4:37]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's been such a joy working with you in this context. Before we turn to our panel, we would just like to take a moment to launch a resource that reflects the power of collaboration and the promise of inclusive multilateralism, and this is the 2025 Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Handbook for the participation of major groups and other stakeholders in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The handbook is a product of a joint effort between the Office of the President of ECOSOC, the UN DESA Secretariat, and the Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism, a diverse group of 22 stakeholder groups. It's rooted in mandated principles of participation as enshrined in the 2030 Agenda and General Assembly and ECOSOC resolutions. For civil society and stakeholder groups, especially those newly entering this space, it serves as a navigational tool, talking about procedures, setting out our role, and encouraging deeper, more coordinated engagement. For member states, it documents how the participation of stakeholders has been operationalized over the years, offering clarity, precedent, and a roadmap for strengthening inclusive multilateralism. At a time when stakeholder participation is increasingly contested, this handbook reaffirms a simple truth: inclusive multilateralism is not optional. It is fundamental to building legitimacy, trust, and effective policy, and it cannot be siloed or sidelined. The handbook also provides practical insights on aligning key global processes in 2025 and beyond, so they reinforce rather than fragment our shared efforts. So on behalf of the Major Groups and other stakeholders' coordination mechanism, I would now like to invite the President of ECOSOC, Ambassador Bob Rae, to formally hand over the handbook to the major groups and other stakeholder representatives, and also invite Ambassador Tapa onto the stage as a symbol of the partnership that will be essential to delivering on the 2030 Agenda. Can we have everyone come on stage?


Speaker 3 [6:58]:

Thank you, Ambassador. Thank you. Good to see you. So I'm giving, I'm giving you a copy. Yeah. I'm giving you a copy. Thank you. And I'm going to give one to Ollie. Oh, for the whole group. Thank you. Thank you. In the name of the whole group. Right. We'll go down this way. Hey, I'll see you. Yeah, yeah. All right, thank you. Thank you, appreciate it. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks so much for coming up. Okay, how are you? Good to see you. Thank you. Nice to see you. Good to see you. Thank you. Thanks, Nina.


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [8:41]:

So with that happy beginning, let me say that the 8th meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council at its 2025 session, is called to order. I would invite Excellencies and distinguished delegates. I would invite the forum to begin its consideration of the subject of sub-item B of agenda item 2, thematic review, to hold an interactive panel discussion on the theme Strengthening Alliances For SDG implementation, multi-stakeholder engagement for the 2030 Agenda, and I'd like to welcome everyone to this meeting. Cette discussion a réuni un large. This discussion brings together a wide range of actors to consider how multilateralism can be renewed and strengthened to shore up the commitments of the 2030 Agenda. It will focus in particular on the role of civil society and other stakeholders in the defense of human rights, the fight against the rollback of inclusive development, and the promotion of concrete actions, particularly when it comes to SDG 5, gender equality, SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, which are currently subject to in-depth review. We will now give the floor to the moderator. Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, to join us virtually to deliver a statement. So, Madame, you have the floor. I think you are— vous êtes à Abidjan. You are in Abidjan, I believe, and you're more than welcome.


UNAIDS · Executive Director · Winnie Byanyima [10:44]:

Ambassador Bob Rae and President of ECOSOC, can you hear me in the room?


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [10:53]:

We can hear you. Yeah, we need to improve the sound a little bit, but we can hear you.


UNAIDS · Executive Director · Winnie Byanyima [10:58]:

Great, and thank you, Rashima, for your comments just now. Thank you, Ambassador, for your insightful remarks on the importance of inclusive multilateralism in the UN. Thank you also for inviting me to provide some remarks. You're right to highlight the multiple crises we are going through. Violent wars and conflicts, spiraling inequality, climate shocks, and economic turmoil, governments are cutting aid budgets. For the fight I am in, ending AIDS, if nothing fills the financing gap, we could see a further 4 million AIDS-related deaths and 6 million HIV infections, new infections, by 2029. In 4 years' time, we could see our gains of 25 years reversed. So I want to talk to you today about 3 things. One, how inclusive multilateralism is central to ending HIV. And 2, how we are defending and revitalizing inclusive multilateralism amidst all this disruption and why it is so essential today. First, how inclusive multilateralism is central to our work at the Joint Programme of the United Nations on AIDS. Before this crisis began, new infections had fallen by 61% and AIDS-related deaths by 70% from their peaks. That is because from the beginning, those most affected— civil society has been the driving force of the HIV response, mobilizing, educating, providing care and demanding rights. ECOSOC did something bold and innovative 30 years ago when they created the Joint Programme of the United Nations on HIV/AIDS, what we call UNAIDS. They put communities and civil society on the UNAIDS board. This means that they are part of setting the direction of the Joint Programme and priorities and global priorities, and they hold power to account. But now, in the face of unprecedented funding cuts, the gains we have made are at risk, as I've just said. At UNAIDS, we are having to reduce and consolidate our operating model. In doing so, we are moving closer to communities and to the governments on the front lines. We are relocating most of our staff to hubs in the Global South. We are deepening our partnerships with civil society at the country level, bringing them closer to our UN joint teams. In fact, there was a high-level panel we convened to review our operating model. We convened it last year, and that has asked us to expand the role of civil society in our joint program. Even as our footprint and our organization shrinks, and we are doing that, bringing civil society even closer as we reduce, because civil society will be critical for the challenges we face in the coming years. Last month, lenacapavir received regulatory approval in the United States. This miracle drug offers complete protection against HIV with injections every 6 months. It's revolutionary, but it will cost $28,000 per person per year in the United States. Many developing countries are excluded from the generic version, and we do not know when a generic will become available and how much it will cost. Yet research has shown that Lenacapavir can be made for just $25 per person per year. At that price point, it could be transformative. Seizing this moment, it will take a movement. It will take a movement With civil society applying pressure on governments and companies, with communities leading peer education campaigns generating demand on the ground for this drug. It will take the private sector ensuring affordable prices and generic availability, and that's why we are on the case of Gilead, the parent company. It will take governments working to negotiate with companies and, if necessary, using their right to intellectual property flexibilities to ensure immediate access. And it will take the UN convening and brokering these partnerships that can deliver the results we want. So in closing, We are experiencing unprecedented disruption, no question, but I remain hopeful. I remain optimistic despite relentless attacks. Communities are there leading. I'm with them right here in Abidjan, right from a meeting with communities. They are showing us the that ending AIDS is not a dream, it's a political choice. Our model, the UNAIDS model of inclusive multilateralism, was formed in crisis at the height of the HIV crisis, and it is what will see us through all this disruption. Thank you very much, Chair. Back to you.


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [17:59]:

Thank you so much, Winnie, for bringing to all of us the realities of the situation on the ground and what these cuts that are taking place are doing around the world. I think we all realize the challenge that we face. In a seamless way, I'm very pleased to welcome our panelists. Mr. Sergio Colina Martin, who's the Director General for Sustainable Development Policies of Spain. Madame Gumbon Zamda, who's the Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support of the UN System Coordination and Programme Results at UN Women. Madame Zingiwa Losey, who's the President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. So delighted to have you with us. And Ms. Nita Wama, who's the Human Rights Officer at GATE, as well as our lead discussants. And I'm particularly pleased to also be able to welcome the moderator who has to do all the work here, Rashima Quatra, who's the co-chair of the Major Group and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism. So I'm going to hand the floor over to Rashima and she will introduce and let the panelists do their job and we'll move on from there. But thank you everyone for coming and thank you everyone for listening. Thank you.


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [19:31]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. It is an honor to be here and to moderate this discussion for the Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and comrades, we meet today at a time of fracture, not just political or institutional, but moral. My name is Rashima Quatra, and along with Olli Henman, I serve as co-chair of the 22 major groups and other stakeholders. Today I do not speak only from a formal role. I speak as a migrant, a lesbian, a woman from the Global South, shaped by multilateralism and deeply aware of what happens when it fails the very people it claims to serve. I come from a lineage of resilience, descendants of those forced to flee their ancestral home during the colonial partition of India, the largest forced migration in recorded history. Their survival taught me that systems can collapse, Borders can be drawn in blood, but people carry forward memory, hope, and the will to rebuild. And I carry that hope today, hope rooted in my home country of Thailand, where gender-neutral marriage has just passed, the result of relentless organizing by queer communities, hope in the young people rising up to demand democracy and reform, hope in students marching across the world, hope in those who deliver aid when governments remain in complicit silence. The hope is not abstract. It is active, defiant, collective. As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary, and with it a wave of reform, we must ask: What are we reforming for? Who is the system accountable to? And how do we ensure it becomes not only more efficient, but more just, more inclusive, and responsive to the people it exists to serve? We are told there is no money, that agencies are scaling back, lights are going off, and staff are being let go. But the deeper crisis is not financial, it is moral. At a time when we are off track on nearly every single Sustainable Development Goal, including the foundational goals of ending poverty, achieving gender equality, ensuring health, education, and peace, too many governments are retreating. They delay action, they offer process instead of principle, They wait for others to lead. But when everyone waits, the system fractures. And when those seeking to dismantle multilateralism act faster than those claiming to defend it, the consequences are not neutral. They are devastating. This is the danger we face— not just collapse, but consent to collapse through caution, avoidance, and the politics of low ambition. So where does that leave us? It leaves us here, with each other, with conscience, with courage, with compassion, and with community. Because it has never been governments who set the moral compass of the world. It has always been us, the people. The communities at the margins, the ones whose rights are first to be negotiated away and whose labor, care, and clarity hold this world together. This is why I name my identities, not for performance, but as refusal. A refusal to be erased. Because no matter how many governments try to silence our voices or deny our existence, we are still here, and the world belongs to all of us. Let us not confuse efficiency with justice. You cannot streamline your way to dignity. Despite it all, I am not without hope. Because I've seen what communities build when systems fail to deliver. Mutual aid feeding families, organizers filling healthcare and education gaps. not with budgets, but with belief. People juggling survival, caregiving, and injustice are still showing up. Civil society has never had the luxury of excess, but we have always had the discipline of purpose. If the UN is looking for resilience, accountability, and moral clarity, if it is learning how to do more with less, it would do well to look to us. Let us begin with honesty, with urgency, with care, and with the unwavering belief that a better system is not only necessary, it is entirely possible if it begins with the people. With that said, it is my pleasure to turn to our speakers to begin our discussion. We have— Thank you. We have an incredible list of speakers to give insight into where we are now, how civil society has been driving change, and what is the future of multilateralism and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. I'm going to begin our first round of interventions by inviting our panelists, who have been introduced by the President, to reflect on a series of individual questions. Our first panelist is Mr. Sergio Colina Martín, the Director General for Sustainable Development and Policies in Spain. It's been a pleasure getting to know you over these past few weeks and having conversations, and I just wanted to turn to you and ask you, in a time when many governments are defunding civil society and deprioritizing international cooperation, what role can member states like Spain play in defending policy coherence, rights-based development and global solidarity? And how can we ensure that global commitments from CSW to FFD4 to the World Social Summit really reinforce each other rather than work in silos?


Spain · Director General for Sustainable Development Policies · Sergio Colina Martin [25:13]:

Thanks so much, Rashima, for the space and for the very relevant questions. I will start maybe for the second one. I think there is a common understanding that there is a need to move forward in in understanding this global agenda not just as limited spaces for thematic discussions, but rather as a very relevant roadmap for a broader agenda. So what do we need to make sure that we take these opportunities to really build in a joint way forward? I think the answer could be synthesized in we need, of course, a UN that works as one and takes every possible space to facilitate multi-stakeholder discussions and decisions for the fulfillment of international human rights law and accelerating the implementation of the SDGs, which in the end is our common agenda for humanity. Then having civil society and other stakeholders that are able to have structured, coordinated proposals. Insights, and also that through follow-up and monitoring takes us to have these integrated responses, and then of course member states that are committed to multilateralism, to inclusive processes, and to an action-oriented agenda. I think the preparatory process for FFD4 and the results of the successful recent conference in Sevilla have shown us the way in several dimensions. I think, first of all, it's important to stress that we managed to reach a consensus in a polarized time. Secondly, I think we understood again the need of that holistic approach on the bottlenecks for advancing SDGs that take into account debt and trade and domestic resource mobilization and fiscal justice and the role of the private sector and science and technology in an integrated manner. And then finally, we also tried as a host country to generate processes internally that make sure that the construction of our national position was really participatory in consultation with youth and with our participatory spaces with civil society, private sector, trade unions, and the academia. So going back to FFD4, I think we have in the outcome document very relevant mandates. There is— I will just mention ones— we have some language on care economies, on fostering universal social protection, the need to tackle the feminization of poverty, mainstreaming gender perspective in all aspects of the financing agenda. And we also have some initiatives that were presented in the framework of the Sevilla Platform for Action that have shown that we are still able to generate important coalitions of actors be it member states, civil society, academia, international organizations, to take those commitments forward in a very concrete manner. So I think we can take all that to CSW, to the World Social Summit, but also to the COP, to the World Urban Forum, and then really see how this can be a roadmap to take us to the next SDG Summit in 2027 with a really— with a common agenda and a strong follow-up. Regarding the role of civil society, we also try through our international cooperation to make sure that we channel those funds that we have been discussing in Sevilla to make SDGs a reality through civil society organisations and to civil society organisations. Internally, we consider our NGOs as a central— recognised in our Law for Development Cooperation— as an actor in decision-making and implementation. Together with all levels of government and other stakeholders, and we also channel part of our ODA resources directly to grassroots organizations, feminist organizations, human rights organizations, LGBT organizations in our partner countries. But moreover, I think I started mentioning that we were able to reach consensus in difficult polarized times. And I think it's also important to acknowledge that there has been— there is also a pushback and a restriction of space for civil society in many contexts. So we have also tried to put in place what we call a democracy program that tries to really put in the center the protection of human rights defenders and the role of civic space and the role of civil society. And at the same time, support actors that are trying to work for greater fiscal justice, etc. So I think, taking into consideration the elements that you put in your questions, I would just summarize saying that we really need to make sure that we have this common integrated vision for a global agenda that is meaningful and action-oriented, but at the same time making sure that this agenda really responds to the demands and the necessities of all communities, therefore taking into account, listening to what communities and civil society organizations are putting on the table for us to move forward. Thank you.


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [30:30]:

Thank you. At a time when, of course, governments are lowering their ODA budgets, Spain is actually increasing it and directly funding civil society in very flexible ways, and we know that that's really what drives change. So we really hope other governments are following in suit instead of rolling back in the other way. So thank you for those comments and also centralizing that, you know, multi-stakeholder coalitions are really the way forward. I now turn to UN Women, DED, Niaradzai Gumbondzwanda, Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination and Programme Results. DED, UN Women has long been a champion actually of civil society and a beacon of progress for gender equality, has really approached all of these issues in a really inclusive way in all segments of society. But gender equality and human rights are under increasingly— under increasing attack across global and national spaces, and of course here within the UN itself. So we wanted to ask you, you know, what role must feminist movements and civil society play in defending inclusive multilateralism? And how can UN entities like UN Women even better support and resource their leadership in this moment of backlash. Thank you.


UN Women · Deputy Executive Director · Nyaradzai [31:43]:

Thank you so much, our moderator Rashmi, and for also your opening remarks. I also want to acknowledge Ambassador Bobri, our President of ECOSOC. We hear your voice all the time as a fearless champion of gender equality and women's rights. And Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, civil society partners, colleagues, and friends. Let me start with the very hot Seville, hot in terms of the discussion and the weather. Thank you so much for hosting us, to the Government of Spain, and thank you so much for being there in the space with civil society organizations, with the Feminist Women's Forum, and also with other governments in the whole session, and again for the launch of the SPA on gender equality. Today's session and my discussion with you is part of a follow-up. Yes, we talked about money in Seville, but we are talking about how are we tracking on SDG 5 and the feminist women's movements as we also look at Agenda 2030. I'm reminded that in 1945, when, as member states, you made the decisions in the Charter and then the Bill of Rights, the starting words were, we the people. Therefore, the conversation we are having on feminist movements and the role of grassroots and community networks is about we the people as rights holders themselves at the center of the mandate of the United Nations who have shaped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, who have shaped from the beginning the Commission on the Status of Women, who have been advocates for for the Beijing Platform for Action with the member states, for us to have the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. And we stand here and share with you as UN Women, knowing that when member states made the decision 15 years ago to establish UN Women, it was also with the advocates of feminist women's organizations. Congratulations. It's our birthday this month for UN Women, so we are also celebrating our 15th birthday. Feminist movements are guardians of international norms. When we talk about pushbacks, regressions, what we are actually talking about is that the international standards that its member states have agreed are being regressed, non-compliance, or actually passing a law that weakens the multilateral decisions that have been made on a standard to do with gender equality and human rights. Secondly, this regression that we are talking about is also questioning the whole notion of Article 55 of the Universal— of the Charter of the United Nations, which speaks to non-discrimination as a core value and equality as a principal value. And also, we see it expressed in the context of resources, the reduction in funding and also the shrinking space. So as UN Women, we see the role of feminist movements and grassroots organizations as the voice of accountability, the real voice of accountability, as the first responders in every crisis. From the years when some of us were growing up during the war in my country, we saw how the mothers wake up every day, to find solutions with your sisters to the HIV crisis, to the COVID crisis, to any emergencies that we have in the countries in war at the moment. We see women organizing, we see opportunities, we see possibilities, and at the same time, we see under-resourcing. Feminist movements, women's groups, CSOs are also conveners of marginalized groups. Of the LGBTI community, of the indigenous communities, meeting with the women from Guatemala, talking about the indigenous and Afro-descendants. They organize women with disabilities like me, really organizing to ensure that the voices of those who are on the margins are part of multilateralism, that democracy means inclusion, that it means a perspective that carries the government policies to carry the essence of the whole. So what can the UN do and UN Women to better support and resource? 3 things. First is that resourcing is about information and space for the multilateralism. Information to civil society, women's groups, for them to contribute and engage with their countries at local level, at national level, at regional level, Information, civic space is critical. Secondly, it is about funding, real money, coins, pesos, in ways that they are able to run the shelters, in ways that they are able to share information with each other, to do empowerment with each other, in ways in which they can sit in the boardroom. So resourcing is so critical, funding. Qualitative funding. Our data is showing that, as UN Women and as the UN, our data is showing that whilst $4.3 trillion in 2023 was spent in military expenditure, 119 million girls were out of school. That speaks to the data of the experiences in communities of the girls not being able to go to school and being married. And we know that what is needed, as we said in Seville, is $42 billion to support the gender gap in developing countries. So supporting feminist women's organizations gives us an insight into some of these issues, which are very critical in terms of our interventions. Lastly, it is very important that we continue to value that member states have continued to put mechanisms in place. We want to appreciate the Violence Against Women Trust Fund. 1996, member states established that trust fund to say it's possible to put mechanisms for resourcing gender equality, the gender markers that we have within the resources of the UN. So moving forward, we are looking forward to the strong involvement and continued involvement of civil society and feminist groups in the revitalization of the Commission on the Status of Women, which we know is a member-state-led process, but its benefit is also to civil society and women's groups. We are also looking forward to the UN General Assembly itself, with the high-level meeting on the 22nd of September for heads of states for the dialogue on gender equality as we celebrate Beijing+30. And we continue to appreciate all member states in the Action Coalitions, the Generation Equality, and other platforms that have been there. We remain on our feet with member states, with women's organizations, with individuals to continue to strive for a world of equality, a world with no discrimination, a world of dignity, and a world of rights, a world of opportunities for all, and a world in which those stories from feminist women's groups continue to be told, that poverty— poverty can be not just reduced but eliminated because it's about choices that our member states, you make around resourcing, around capacities. And we want to thank you so much for this opportunity. Thank you. Thank you,


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [39:54]:

Dede. You know, civil society really supports UN Women. They've been so central to many feminist organizations on the ground, and I hear you when you say we need member states to be courageous, to not regress from international standards, and really not to see making consensus at the lowest common denominator a marker of success of multilateralism. I'm now moving on to our next speaker. Thank you. I now turn to Zingiswa Lozi, President of the South African Trade Union, COSATU, and a member of the International Trade Union Confederation, representative of the trade unions major group. Trade unions and civil society are critical actors in advancing the SDGs, not only as implementers but as equal partners in shaping global policy. From your experience, what does meaningful partnership between governments and stakeholders look like in advancing gender equality and decent work? And in the context of the current UNAID process, how do we ensure that workers' rights and civil society voices are not sidelined but strengthened within multilateralism? I'm going to take this quick moment to also say if speakers could keep within their 4-minute timeline because we are running a little bit late on time. Thank you very much,


COSATU · President · Zingiswa Lozi [41:05]:

moderator, and also greetings to the President and colleagues here. Let me first begin with something that is personal. I am a daughter of a domestic worker and I'm a leader that is shaped by South Africa's long journey towards freedom and I know then what it means when working people are excluded from decisions that shape their lives. So that is why I stand here not only as the president of COSATU, but as a firm believer in inclusive multilateralism because it is the only path that puts people, not profits, and it puts them at the center of global progress. But today what we are seeing is that that path of multilateralism is under attack. So across the world, workers' rights are being rolled back. Spaces for civil society are shrinking. Far-right interests backed by corporate power are dismantling the very principle that built this United Nations. And as trade unions, we cannot allow this. So what we are saying then is that trade unions, including where I come from, COSATU, and our global family in the ITUC, what we are doing, we're pushing back with a new social contract that is anchored in 6 pillars. The pillar on decent work, climate-friendly jobs, a pillar on rights for all workers, a living wage pillar, universal social protection, equality and inclusion in decision-making. And I want to make a point that these are not demands, but they are essentials to realize the 2030 Agenda that we are about. So in South Africa, where I come from, we are advancing this through social dialogue. We're shaping policies on decent work and just transition, and I must proudly say that in 2022, COSATU, We launched a just transition blueprint, negotiating a fair pathway for workers and sectors like your mining and agriculture that are mostly affected by the just transition on climate change. And on gender equality, we are also making the change real. And I stand here in front of you as a COSATU first woman president after 33 years of its existence. But also I am speaking for many women leaders in the trade union movement and for millions more whose labor in the care economy must be recognized, must be valued, and must be protected. And for us who are saying globally the SDGs for us remain our best blueprint. And they are not a failed promise, but rather they are a shared commitment. And I must say, Chair, that although we are not on track to meet all the goals by the target deadline, critically for us is that the situation would be much worse without the existence and influence of the SDGs guiding policy and action globally. And so how do we then move forward? We need policy coherence across global processes. We need to protect civic space, especially for workers, for women, and the marginalized voices. And as it was eloquently said by Mama Nyaradzayi, that We need to resource civil society because participation without funding is exclusion by design. And so let me end by saying that multilateralism is not just diplomacy. It is about dignity. It is about the miner in Mpumalanga in South Africa. It is about a nurse in Nairobi in Kenya. It is about a domestic worker in Manila, in Philippines, and it is about our collective right to shape a future that leaves no one behind. And we're here to say, as unions, we are ready, and so you can count us in. Thank you very much. Thank you for that powerful


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [46:34]:

intervention, Singizwa. I now have the distinct pleasure to give it to our last panelist. I feel very proud actually to share the stage with Best because I, I think it must be the first time when 2 queer Thai women actually take the stage together, and I think that's a pretty landslide moment. So giving it to you, Best, based on your work with communities that are often structurally excluded from global decision-making, including young people and those organizing at the margins? What must change for multilateral spaces to reflect their lived realities and leadership? And what do we risk for the future of multilateralism if these voices continue to be sidelined? Thank you, Rashima. My name is


GATE · Human Rights Officer · Batshees Napong [47:18]:

Batshees Napong. I'm a trans activist from Thailand and also the Human Rights Officer from the Global Action for Trans So when we talk about structural exclusion, it's not abstract theory, it's real life. As a child, I was forced to cut my hair, forbidden to wear the uniform that matched my gender, denied jobs simply because I dared to be who I am. I wish I could say my story is unique, but it's not. However, I'm one of the lucky ones with a family that accepts me and a country that's slowly recognizing LGBTI rights. Thank you. In many parts of the world, trans youth like me face systemic discrimination in education, healthcare, employment. Many experience homelessness, poverty. Many don't make it alive to my age, or their very existence are criminalized. These are not isolated cases but reflect the global systemic injustice faced by countless marginalized youth globally because of who they are. Yet my generation is not silent, or some would say you messed with the wrong generation. Globally, 1.2 billion young people are at the forefront of societal change, fighting for climate justice, racial equity, gender equality, democracy, permanent ceasefire, and peace. Yet it is alarming that youth voice remains shockingly absent from political leadership and policymaking. A 2023 report showed just 2.8% of global parliamentarians are under 30. This imbalance is even pronounced in Africa, the world's most youth continent, where population median age is around 19, yet the median age of political leaders is 62. With just 5 years remaining until 2030, the race to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals feel like a marathon. When you run in the race, your heart is beating fast, but for the development targets that are unmet, it might mean someone's heart may stop. Let me be clear, development cannot be a game where the powerful race ahead, leaving the vulnerable behind, especially when the anti-right movement attacks our existence. Some of the governments withdraw their commitment and funding. Funding cuts is not just about money, It's about political issue. It's about when— who get to speak, who get to participate in all levels, including at the multilateral level. But here is our truth: silencing us only makes our voice louder. Thanks to the major group and stakeholder coordination mechanism, our members share the same feeling of being left behind, but instead of giving up, they are the true backbone of multilateralism by strengthening one another's resilience, upholding intersectionality, They are who care about lives over data, dignity over number, intersectionality over tokenism. With the UNAID reform on horizon, we must ask, who is truly at the table? It's clear multilateral law still fails to reflect our life reality and leadership. We demand reform that maintains the momentum of meaningful engagement of stakeholders, enhance intersectionality, and sustain the grassroots movement, especially in the time of crisis. Let me conclude my intervention with this. We young people are not to blame for the structural inequality built by the generation who are too afraid to recognize that humankind is born free and equal. And we all— young girls, trans, intersex, queer, background, indigenous, migrant, differently-abled, HIV-positive, neurodivergent— all youth know our value, and we know our place in this world, and that place is everywhere. I thank you. Thank you. Don't mess with this


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [51:31]:

generation. I now have the joy to turn it over to our lead discussants. The first lead discussant, unfortunately Cynthia Samuel-Olojiwon from ILO, cannot be here, but I turn it over to Dino Carell, who will be speaking in her place and addressing the question. As one of the oldest and most unique UN specialized agencies, How does the ILO, through its tripartite structure, help safeguard and strengthen the role of social partners and civil society in shaping multilateralism within today's global context? Thank you. I deliver this statement


ILO · Dino Carell [52:15]:

on behalf of Ms. Cynthia Samuel Olongewan, ILO Special Representative to the UN. Thank you to the panelists for the very thoughtful contributions. Let me share 3 reflections from the ILO's experience that I hope can complement the discussion. First, as many of you know, the ILO's tripartite structure is unique in the UN system. For over 100 years, we have upheld the principle that governments and workers' and employers' organizations must act as partners in setting standards and shaping policy. In today's context, where trust in multilateralism is under pressure, and civic spaces narrowing, this model offers a practical, working example of what inclusive governance can look like. Second, the ILO advances social dialogue as a core strategic objective. Social dialogue is both a means to achieve social and economic progress and an end in itself. It gives people a voice and a stake in their societies and workplaces. Social dialogue is anchored on respecting, promoting, and realizing the fundamental principles and rights at work. Particularly freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining. Third, the ILO works to ensure that social partners and civil society are meaningfully engaged throughout broader UN processes and planning frameworks. For instance, in the lead-up to the recent Financing for Development Conference and the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, we've worked closely with the NGO committees for FFD and social development. These collaborations have helped shape priorities and ensure that financing and policy proposals reflect not only economic logic but social justice imperatives grounded in the realities faced by working people and communities, including those most vulnerable. Finally, the ILO doesn't just advocate for inclusive multilateralism, it's how we operate, and we are committed to working with all of you to ensure that this spirit is reflected in how the international system moves forward. Thank you. Thank you, Dino. I'll now turn the floor


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [54:28]:

to Amanda Reeves, Senior Director, Global Humanitarian Advocacy for World Vision, representative of Together 2030 Stakeholder Group. Amanda, thank you for being here. As we reflect on how to revitalize multilateralism to truly deliver on the 2030 Agenda, What role do you see for civil society in strengthening inclusive global cooperation, especially in humanitarian contexts where needs are growing and civic space is shrinking? Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates,


World Vision · Senior Director · Amanda Reeves [54:57]:

colleagues, and friends, the stakes could not be higher today. The world is facing a convergence of crises, and the funds available to deliver are dwindling. Increasing numbers of people face violence, displacement, and starvation in violation of international law. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian architecture infrastructure are endangering children, families, and entire societies as we speak. Multilateralism is not just a diplomatic ideal. But the foundation for peace, stability, and effective humanitarian action. It is a concrete lifeline for the world's most vulnerable people. When partnerships fail, communities across the world suffer. As a child-focused and faith-based organization, World Vision and our partners work in some of the most fragile and complex humanitarian contexts. We see every day how global decisions shape or dramatically fail children and communities. We also see how civil society, especially local and faith-based actors, respond first and stay the longest when crisis hits. This is why we are deeply committed to bridging the gap between frontline responders and centers of global leadership and decision-making, such as we are here today. We believe that those closest to crises are also closest to solutions and hold unique expertise crucial to addressing current challenges. Unfortunately, today we are witnessing the shrinking of civic space and the erosion of trust in multilateralism. NGOs and UN agencies are under attack. Politically, financially, rhetorically, and literally. This undermines our ability to deliver critical services and threatens the core of multilateral ideals and the commitments we have made to leave no one behind. To renew multilateralism, we must recognize civil society not merely as implementers but as co-creators of solutions. The 2030 Agenda will not be delivered by governments alone. It will take all of us working together across sectors and borders with courage and humility. Thank you. Thank you, Amanda. That concludes the first part


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [57:42]:

of our session from our first speakers. I just want to highlight a couple of things that I heard, which is that The SDGs remain our best blueprint. They're not a failed promise, but a shared commitment that the United Nations was made by and for we the peoples, and that development cannot be a game where the powerful runs ahead, leaving the most vulnerable behind. That building a joint way forward means centralizing NGOs as central actors in decision-making and implementation, and that cannot happen without financing us as well. I would like to now turn the floor back to the Chair for the interactive Thank you very much, Ruchima, and thank you so much


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [58:20]:

to all the panelists. I really do appreciate their commitment, and I love their eloquence and their courage. That was terrific, and really appreciate people being here. So the good news is we're going to have an interactive session. The bad news is the time is limited, and the number of speakers is larger than the time available. So here's how it works. We're gonna restrict the speeches to 2 minutes. We're gonna extend the session till 4:45, which means the next session will be slightly less long. And the countdown clock will be visible on your screen, so you'll know how long that will take. Thank you. If you go over the 2 minutes, you will be cut off, not by me, because I'm a very nice person and I want to be liked by all of you, but by the magic of artificial intelligence. We're watching you, and then you disappear. When you disappear, we start with the next speaker. So the other thing that we'd like you to do is when you speak, don't speak too quickly. Because then the interpreters can't— if you have a 3-minute speech and you say, I'm going to give it in 2 minutes, it's unfair to our interpreters and nobody can understand what you're saying. So we recommend that you just speak a little bit more slowly and edit your remarks as you give them. So with that good news, I would like to start the discussion with His Excellency Mike Patella, who's the Minister of Youth Sport, and Physical Activity of Finland. Minister, you have the floor. Thank you for joining us. Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,


Finland · Minister of Youth Sport, and Physical Activity · Mike Patella [1:00:10]:

although governments bear the main responsibility for implementing the 2030 Agenda, achieving the SDGs is not possible without including the whole society. Meaningful involvement of all stakeholders is a prerequisite for effectively implementing the SDGs and for creating the— upholding the foundations for sustainable and lasting peace. The positive and active role of young people is indispensable to maintaining and promoting peace and security. Finland strongly supports the Youth Peace and Security Agenda, and in this area we have successfully transformed multi-stakeholder ideals into action. Finland has longstanding traditions in multi-stakeholder cooperation through meaningful consultations and citizen participation. This spirit of open dialogue has been instrumental in shaping Finland into a stable democracy, characterized by high levels of trust that our citizens place in their neighbors, public officials, and government. The Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, chaired by the Prime Minister, plays a key role in our national efforts. It joins political leaders, public administration, business, and civil society, as well as the Agenda 2030 Youth Group, to advance the implementation and monitoring of Agenda 2030 in Finland. Together, these actors have prepared Finland's voluntary national review which we proudly present as a multi-stakeholder delegation. The multi-stakeholder approach is not limited to a country's own borders, and the United Nations uniquely unites the international community to forge partnership and learn from each other. We hope to leverage the privilege of being within this diverse group to engage and exchange the experience. Thank you. Thank you, Minister, very much. And I now— it's my pleasure


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:02:16]:

to now give the floor to Her Excellency Annika Rajza, the Minister of State for Environmental Policy of Hungary. Minister, you have the floor. Thank you very much. Time will not be taken off you. We're waiting to get your mic on. Can we have the mic for Hungary, please? Do something? Yes, now working. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, dear colleagues,


Hungary · Minister of State for Environmental Policy · Annika Rajza [1:02:44]:

dear Excellencies. It's our shared responsibility and common interest to achieve the goals of sustainability. We have seen on many occasions that strengthening multilateralism and global partnerships have become more important than ever in order to find effective solutions to the world's challenges. Let me mention some examples from Hungary. Number one, the National Council for Sustainable Development, which was established in 2008, with a consensus of the parliamentary political parties at the initiative of a National Assembly as a nonpartisan independent advisory and interest reconciliation body. Its primary goal is to promote a shift in mindset necessary for sustainability across all segments of society and includes politicians, representatives of economic and scientific life, churches, trade unions, and civil society. Currently, we're working on the second strategy in these days. Number 2, as example, is the Technological Platform for Research, Development, and Innovation related to the circular economy, which was created in 2022, and its aim is to accelerate the country's transition to a circular economy and position Hungary at the forefront of using innovative circular technologies. Example number 3 is an association of environmental service providers and manufacturers as the largest economic an environmental advocacy organization in Hungary whose members represent the entire Hungarian environmental industry sector and are key players in the national economy. And for 30 years, they promote environmental and nature protection purposes in Hungary as a prominent partner of the public administration. And finally, as number 4, let me mention the recent disaster that happened in Romania at the Pride Mine. where the Hungarian society within days collected almost half a million dollars, and then the government doubled it, and we sent it to support the neighbouring region in order to help together those in need. Thank you. Thank you, Minister. So the lesson from this is that 2 minutes


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:04:48]:

is possible for everyone. So— I now give the floor to the delegate from Thailand. Thank you, Chair. Partnership is crucial to tackle today's complex


Thailand [1:05:04]:

challenge and people need to be at the center of such partnership to achieve sustainable development while leaving no one behind. Government should harness the potential of youth, volunteers, civil society, the private sector, and academia to promote inclusive and innovative solutions for SDG achievement. Allow me to highlight 2 points. First, in line with SDG 17, Thailand has been fostering South-South and triangular cooperation for almost 3 decades to promote SDG in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. Through our Friends from Thailand program, we have dispatched dispatched over 200 Thai volunteers to 11 countries since early 2000. These volunteers represent Thailand's commitment to supporting developing countries in achieving SDGs. Second, Thailand strongly believes in an inclusive approach to SDG implementation through multi-stakeholder partnership. Aiming to be a regional hub of human resource development, Thailand has enjoyed partnership with renowned universities, sharing Thai expertise through development projects, training courses, and postgraduate programs. Let me conclude by emphasizing that global partnership through South-South and triangular cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnership is of urgent need for the achievement of SDG within 2030 in order to make sustainable development a success story which is inclusive and truly people-centered. I thank you. Thank you very much. I give the floor to the delegate of Burkina Faso.


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:06:55]:

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, Burkina Faso reaffirms that


Burkina Faso [1:07:02]:

the implementation of the 2030 Agenda is based on the need to mobilize all development partners faced with the many challenges that we face. It has become essential for us to adopt a more inclusive approach that is rooted in our realities and supported by robust partnerships at every level. It is with this in mind that several initiatives have been implemented in Burkina Faso with many actors from the sectors of health, social protection, energy, infrastructure, and participative governance. They have already produced tangible results for our populations. This experience has shown that local, just, and sustainable partnerships are essential to make a success of the expected transformations. Based on its experience, Burkina Faso proposes 5 concrete actions. Firstly, support and strengthen local governments as key SDG actors. 2, 2, promote inclusive partnerships on the ground by involving local actors and communities. 3, train young people and women in green jobs and in local governance. 4, systematically involve all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, in the monitoring of public policies. Put in place blended financing. Unfortunately, the time's run out. Thank you very much. Delegate of Costa


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:09:01]:

Rica, please, followed by— sorry, the NGO Major Group, followed by Costa Rica. So the NGO Major Group, please. Okay. Thank you, Chair. We cannot talk about delivering the Agenda 2030 without


NGO Major Group [1:09:30]:

first confronting an uncomfortable and self-evident truth: multilateralism is in crisis. And it's not just about institutional fatigue. Or political polarization. It's about the growing disconnect between global processes and the people they claim to serve. This, along with the fact that civil society is being sidelined, participation is shrinking, women's rights are under open attack, and while we continue to speak about progress, it is fragmented, slow, and frankly insufficient in the face of this multiple global crisis. How can we talk about sustainable development when environmental negotiations happen behind closed doors, excluding the very people that are affected or impacted. Climate and natural disasters are closer to home and to us. Floods, wildfires, droughts have become everyday news, and yet we see no political will to change or improve the situation, a reminder of our global pending task. The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. It is here. It is now. And yet many governments still treat the summits like diplomatic checklists instead of survival plans. On the other hand, we have the Escazú Agreement as a clear example of what binding multilateralism could and should look like. Its Article 7 explicitly mandates public participation in international environmental decision-making. We need more of this, not less. We need accountability, no more back promises, and we need the political will to confront the threats that are actively undermining cooperation, dodging responsibility, or refusing to engage with the multilateral system at all. We're living in a moment of fragmentation but also of opportunity. Across civil society, we see communities stepping in. Thank you so much for your presentation. We now go to Costa Rica, followed by Slovakia


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:11:32]:

and then Norway. Costa Rica. Gracias, señor presidente. Thank you, Mr. President. Costa Rica recognizes that academia,


Costa Rica [1:11:41]:

the scientific community, civil society, and the private sector play a fundamental role alongside states in achieving sustainable development. Costa Rica calls for strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement in three areas. First, facilitate the direct participation of key stakeholders in the provision of public services, especially those aimed at vulnerable populations. This collaboration will allow public policies to be adapted to local realities and to incorporate technical knowledge. Costa Rica urges the creation of regulatory and budgetary frameworks that institutionalize the participation of non-state actors through intersectoral coordination platforms. Second, close technological and innovation gaps through inclusive partnerships that promote social and technological innovation ecosystems. Technology transfer, South-South and triangular cooperation are key through transformative partnerships that catalyze scalable solutions. Third, strengthen links between governments, academia, and civil society to improve data generation, policy evaluation and accountability through integrated evidence-based monitoring systems. This ensures more transparent and effective governance. Mr. President, all actors have a role to play, from youth to private enterprise, from international financial institutions to women-led organizations, from girls designing solutions in their communities to indigenous peoples who safeguard ancestral knowledge. Only through their full inclusion can we guarantee more legitimate, transparent, and effective policies. Thank you. Muchas gracias. I now give the floor to Slovakia, followed by Norway. Slovakia, please, the


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:13:49]:

microphone. Put the time back up. I'll now turn to Norway and ask to come back to Slovakia. Norway, please. Mr. President, Norway remains a firm supporter of SDG 17 and the partnerships it represents.


Norway [1:14:16]:

No country can succeed alone. Broad ownership of the 2030 Agenda across sectors and governance levels is essential. Local, regional, and national authorities must work together, but equally important, we must include civil society, the private sector, academia, and youth. The coming months are crucial. We must seize the momentum from the Compromiso de Sevilla to strengthen the global financing framework and secure lasting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving the SDGs requires partnerships that are deep, inclusive, equitable, and grounded in shared responsibility. Vi tror på inklusive partnerskaper som er rotet i tro og transparens. Åndelig dialog om både forandring og setbaks hjelper oss å lære fra hverandre. Unge mennesker er ikke bare fremtiden. De er essensielle stemmer i presenten. Vi er klare. Ungdom har en rettferdig plass i hver konversasjon om sostenibel utvikling. Norge fokuserer på en kunnskapsbasert tilnærming til sostenibel utvikling. International higher education, research, and innovation are vital tools to tackle global challenges. Let us all commit to partnerships that are inclusive, equitable, evidence-based, and action-oriented. Real progress comes when we embrace complexity and work together openly and with respect. Together, we can accelerate the progress towards the SDGs. Thank you. Thank you. I now give the floor to the Stakeholder Group Number 1, ECE-RCEM. Dear Chair, we support


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:16:02]:

the previous statements of our colleagues and would like to confirm that


ECE-RCEM [1:16:05]:

we are witnessing how the UN Forum, including the recent FFD, the private sector exerts influence through parallel business forums. Multilateral groupings such as BRICS claim to bring democracy to international affairs, yet exclude independent civil society from the conversations. Numerous countries are introducing foreign agent laws to control and silence civil society. We must ask how true democratic values be protected and upheld when civil society is systematically excluded. We are still hoping to preserve vital spaces for all 22 major groups, but in the UNCE region, only 3 NGOs represented. Were receiving financial support to attend our Geneva Regional Forum, and only 7 NGOs worldwide were supported to attend this HLPF. Moreover, we're deeply concerned that some member states target and exclude our representatives from the conversations. How does excluding civil society support inclusive multilateralism and sustainable societies that benefit all? We are tired of hearing about importance of stakeholder engagement and we make an urgent demand. Every governmental representative in this room and those who are watching online must send a clear message to their capitals. Governments must allocate funds and provide transparent opportunities for civil society engagement in regional forums and this NGLPF. Without fair access and support, civil society cannot participate meaningfully. and without civil society, no progress is possible. This support must be more than words. Political will and real investments are needed now to ensure we are all heard and able to participate. Thank you. Thank you. We'll take 3 speakers now: Uganda, Poland, and Philippines. Uganda first. Mr. President, Excellencies,


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:18:13]:

ladies and gentlemen, Uganda firmly believes that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires


Uganda [1:18:18]:

multi-stakeholder engagement. No single actor can do it alone. Government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners must work together as partners in shared responsibility. Our national SDG framework is built on inclusivity. Led by the Office of the Prime Minister, we have established platforms like the 5 SDG technical working groups covering planning, data, communication, financing, and monitoring. We also encourage— engage youth networks, civil society, private sector alliances, and faith-based organizations through structured dialogue and joint initiatives. The private sector in particular plays a central role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and mobilizing resources fundamental to our sustainable development efforts. We are proud of milestones such as the Uganda SDG Roadmap, developed through extensive consultations, now fully integrated in our National Development Plan. Our ongoing efforts to amplify marginalized voices, including persons with disabilities, women's cooperatives, and informal youth groups in our voluntary national reviews, As chair of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, Uganda champions regional solidarity, peer learning, and collective financing to scale successful practices across our continent. Mr. President, Uganda calls on the global community to support country-led multi-stakeholder frameworks, invest in inclusive data systems, and recognize that trust, dialogue, and local ownership are the true foundation of leaving no one behind. Together, let us build a future where everyone everywhere can thrive. I thank you. Thank you, delegate. I now give the floor to Poland, followed by Philippines. Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, I


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:20:14]:

would like to sincerely thank you for your continued efforts to make civil


Poland [1:20:18]:

society voices heard. When we talk about revitalizing multilateralism or rebuilding trust, I must begin with the group I belong to, which are the UN Youth Delegates. Each year, around 60 of us advocate at different UN forums, but most importantly, we bring UN home. For many young people in our countries, we are the first human voice that can translate what the UN really means and why the Agenda 2030 matters to them. But the true, true impact of our work has not been measured yet. You can just imagine if every youth delegate runs at least 10 local workshops, intervenes at 3 UN forums, and influences even one resolution. That's hundreds of thousands of young people who are directly engaged into multilateralism. Yet there is one challenge that remains, and despite our global engagement and consultations in this room, which are much needed, sometimes there is very little follow-through through national policies, and too often our ideas and solutions don't really translate into policies. Some countries are changing that, and we have good examples of countries like Finland co-developing youth peace security national action plan with and for youth. But why not making that a norm? Strengthen the feedback loop between the UN, civil society, and national governments to really use the potential which is already here. Because ultimately, the trust is not built through words, it's built through our actions, and as rightly mentioned by Madame Moderator, by the discipline of purpose. Thank you. Thank you. As the oldest person in the room, I salute you. Philippines, please. Excellencies, as we enter the final years of


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:22:16]:

the 2030 Agenda, the Philippines recognizes that achieving the


Philippines [1:22:19]:

SDGs is not the task of government alone. It is a shared responsibility. We must work together collectively across borders and sectors to achieve meaningful progress. In the Philippines, the establishment of the Stakeholders Chamber on the SDGs exemplifies how participatory governance can drive transformative change. Now boasting 65 active members, this platform brings together civil society, the private sector, academia, and other non-government actors to inform policy, mobilize resources, and monitor SDG progress. With the adoption of the Chamber Roadmap, we are moving beyond consultation toward deeper stakeholder engagement transforming dialogue into action. We have seen firsthand how engaging diverse stakeholders in the development planning processes, especially in the Philippine Development Plan and regional SDG catch-up plans, has led to strategies that respond to realities on the ground. Leveraging their expertise is vital. Civil society organizations continue to be champions of equity and advocates of the marginalized, The private sector is instrumental in driving transformation and investment in areas such as energy, agriculture, and health. The youth brings energy, hope, and future-focused lens in SDG implementation. Also noteworthy is the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the UN in advancing our national development priorities. As we move forward, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen these alliances by creating an enabling environment that fosters trust, greater cooperation, and resource mobilization to help realize a sustainable future where no one is left behind. Thank you. Thank the representative from Philippines. I now give the floor to the LGBTI stakeholder group, please. My name


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:24:25]:

is Pao González Sánchez, and I come from Panama on behalf of the LGBTI stakeholder group. A just and sustainable


LGBTI Stakeholder Group · Pao González Sánchez [1:24:33]:

world where no one is left behind is impossible without inclusion. Multilateralism, cooperation across borders to solve global challenges like climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict, cannot succeed if it ignores the voices, needs, and rights of LGBTIQ+ people. LGBTIQ+ communities exist in every country. Excluding us from decision-making, funding, and development policies undermines international legitimacy and deepens inequality. It signals that some lives matter less and that discrimination is acceptable on the global stage. If multilateralism is to survive and stay relevant, it must be rooted in equity, representation, and accountability. LGBTIQ+ people, especially those marginalized, must be meaningfully engaged, resourced, and empowered to shape the future. This requires concrete action. Affirm that LGBTIQ+ rights are human rights in the political, social, and legal spheres. Resource marginalized groups, as demonstrated by Transgender Europe's success, through strategic funding. Integrate LGBTIQ+ protections across all SDGs with targeted initiatives. Track and disaggregate LGBTIQ+ funding for transparency and impact. Protect civic space, ensuring LGBTIQ+ movements can safely operate. In Latin America and the Caribbean, LGBTIQ+ people continue to face violence, discrimination, and economic exclusion. Many are forced into informal economies, blocked from public services, and overrepresented in poverty. Yet we remain excluded from the very spaces shaping our futures. Multilateralism that leaves us out is not just ineffective, it It is unjust. If it is to endure, it must center justice, dignity, and the full inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people, because multilateralism is not just about— I thank the representative. And I now give the floor to Saudi Arabia, and the next person you'll see in this chair is the Vice


ECOSOC · President · Bob Rae [1:26:35]:

President, Ambassador Chan from Costa Rica. Saudi Arabia, please. Arabia stepped out. Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany. Mic for Germany, please. On behalf of Germany, the 2030 Agenda was a promise, a dignified, just, and sustainable future for all. But that promise is increasingly


Germany [1:27:19]:

and especially being denied to younger generations. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, while climate summits multiply and sustainability is discussed in every forum, the realities on the ground tell a different story. Environmental destruction, widening inequalities, and shrinking civic space. And those most affected, young people, continuous across the Global South and the communities across the Global South and historically marginalized groups, continue to be excluded from real influence. Youth are praised as changemakers until the demand of actual change. We are told to stay hopeful, to engage, to innovate. In other words, Participation without power is not partnership. It disconnects young people from action rather than enabling it. 3 examples of how this can be done differently: in Germany, the Youth Participation Format in Climate Issues and the Youth Delegate Programme for Sustainable Development gathers young people, government, and civic society in a structured, resourced, and continuous way, enabling young voices to contribute to national and international policy Additionally, the VNR process has opened spaces for multi-stakeholder engagement and civil society input into the SDG implementation. This is real multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring that civil society, including young people, has real influence in decision-making, not just a seat at the table while business and industries continue to dominate the outcomes. To renew global trust, we must be willing to confront hard truths. Especially in the global north, because accountability is not a burden; it's the foundation of legitimacy. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France, followed


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:29:06]:

by the women's major group. France, over to you. Je m'appelle Laura. My name is Laura, and I'm speaking on behalf of France volunteer. Volunteers, the International Volunteer Platform


France Volunteers · Laura [1:29:19]:

for Exchange and Solidarity, which is linked to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. Each day in the world, volunteers exchange know-how, they build projects, and they positively impact communities' health, education, the environment. Volunteers provide tangible commitment contributions to implementation of Agenda 2030 and its SDGs. There is a personal commitment as a concrete means to ensure collective transformation and a lever for sustainable development. At the international level, this volunteership forges concrete ties between political entities, civil society, local bodies, and young people. This embodies the spirit of SDG 17. Turning to my own experience, I participated as a volunteer of international solidarity in the volunteership program for the Great Green Wall. All by supporting the National Chadian Agency on Communications Initiatives. This is a program to combat desertification. 61 volunteers from 10 nationalities were mobilized. France, Mauritania, Senegal, Chad, and Djibouti were involved. This experience transformed me profoundly, and I wish to build upon this commitment. I am cognizant of the links— the challenges linked to land restoration and the need to provide concrete human support to local populations. Being a volunteer also means learning to evolve in an intercultural context, to adapt, to cooperate, to demonstrate resilience. This partnership also is reflected in other key programs advanced by France volunteers, including Volunteers for Preservation of Forests in the Congo and Amazon Basins, as well as Volunteers United for Francophonie as part of the International Organization of Francophonie. 2026 was proclaimed as the International Year of Volunteers. Today we call upon states and governments to recognize the added value of volunteership in public bodies. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of France for her statement. A kind reminder that we have a 2-minute mark. I now give the floor


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:31:23]:

to the Women's Major Group, followed by the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Over to you. I'm from the Asian Pacific Resource and Research Center for Women, ARO, and I make this statement on behalf of the Women's Major Group. Urgent


Women's Major Group [1:31:41]:

actions for effective, responsive multilateral systems setting global standards and holding key actors accountable include: strengthen the UN system and ensure the system is fit for purpose, adequately funded to effectively deliver on advancing human rights, gender equality, and the rights and empowerment of marginalized groups, including women and girls in all their diversities. Further commitment: fast-track actions to fulfill the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including CEDAW, the ICPD Programme of Action, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and the 2030 Agenda commitments. Gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and economic justice are key pivots in realizing the SDGs, especially decent work and health and well-being for all. With an annual $4 trillion gap in resourcing the SDGs, it is important to ensure financing the SDGs through domestic resourcing as well as ODA accountability from donor countries, ensure inclusive and gender-responsive policymaking, financing, and programming, ensure leadership, meaningful participation of women in decision-making, including in planning, implementation, and monitoring, and guard guarding against backsliding in democratic spaces. Invest in robust data collection and monitoring systems to review, measure, and assess progress. Improve public investment in health and develop social protection systems for universal, quality, stigma-free healthcare, including mental health services and SRHR. Recognize reproductive economy by factoring and redistributing unpaid and domestic care work. Finally, connect UN processes, especially CSW, to FFD, to the WSSD, including the HRC processes, to ensure a cohesive development agenda and commitment of member states to realize this agenda. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of the Women's Major Group for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:33:42]:

of the United Kingdom, followed by Switzerland. Switzerland, and Czechia. UK, over to you. Thank you, Chair. The UK recognizes the vital role of civil society in advancing sustainable development. From international organizations to grassroots


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:33:58]:

groups, civil society brings invaluable insights, strengthens our evidence base, champions the needs of marginalized communities, and holds power to account. Civil society was also instrumental in shaping the SDGs With only 35% of SDG targets on track, to accelerate progress over the next 5 years to 2030, particularly on health, climate and nature, gender, growth and jobs, we need locally led long-term solutions with civil society at the center. We also recognize that this work often comes at great personal risk. We remain deeply concerned by growing restrictions on reprisals, and shrinking civic space. We must work together to keep that space open. Last year, the UK and Costa Rica led reforms to the UN NGO Committee to promote a more open and transparent system and have used our membership to advocate for an improvement of its working methods. We continue to push for civil society access to General Assembly high-level meetings, conferences and multilateral processes. We will only achieve Agenda 2030 if all stakeholders are empowered to contribute. The UK is committed to partnering with you. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of United Kingdom for her statement. I now give the floor to Switzerland, followed by Czechia. Switzerland. Excellencies,


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:35:35]:

distinguished colleagues, Switzerland welcomes the discussion being held today. We attribute significant attention and efforts to collaboration


Switzerland [1:35:43]:

and dialogue with civil society. I wish to take this opportunity to briefly emphasize a current example of how, of how we implement this inclusivity. Switzerland is currently preparing its forthcoming VNR, National Report report to be presented in 2026. For this VNR, we are basing ourselves not just on statistical follow-up data, but monitoring data, but also repeated and transparent consultations with non-state actors within the— in other countries. CSOs are not only critical for the implementation of the SDGs and the last mile, and our policies need to be successful. We are seeking to be closer to the living reality, the reality experienced by people, to address challenges that are encountered by people in achieving the SDGs. A real frank assessment with civil society organizations. Cooperation is only possible if human rights are respected, if freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are upheld. We've adopted a commitment to provide broad space for civil society to act and to play its important role. This is an ongoing effort. Democratic values and basic human values are not merely, uh, are, are an ongoing commitment that actors seek to uphold. I thank all of you for your very valuable efforts. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland for his statement, and I now give the floor to Czechia, followed by the Indigenous People Major Group. and the


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:37:24]:

People of African Descent Stakeholder Group. Czechia, over to you. Excellencies, dear participants, I have the honor to speak on behalf of Czechia as the Czech UN Youth Delegate. We've heard during this session that the principles that


Czechia [1:37:39]:

have long guided our global system are under pressure. Violent conflicts persist, commitments are being violated, and some states treat rules as optional. But we cannot afford to give in to cynicism, because if we let global cooperation fall apart, we risk a world ruled not by principles, but solely by power. The international system is facing a test of trust. To restore this trust, we must show that cooperation works, not just on paper, but in everyday life. As young people, we'll be living with the consequences of today's choices on climate, conflict, and inequality. And the latest SDG progress report is clear: we still have time to act if we act together. But to do that, we need stronger political will and more resources to support meaningful participation, especially at the local level. Civil society, business, and youth must be treated not as an audience but as partners. That's also how we approach Czechia's 3rd Voluntary National Review, which will be presented next week. It's built on We've had open discussion with young people, media, and NGOs, and a nationwide survey helped us hear directly from citizens across the country. Youth perspectives already shape Czechia's policies through the UN Youth Delegate Program or advisory bodies like the Youth Panel at the Ministry of Education. Locally, Czechia supports bottom-up solutions like smart villages and community-led projects that prove that partnerships work when everyone is included. To civil society, business, and governments, let's move beyond talking and build alliances that deliver. We need the SDGs to succeed, and the SDGs need us to act. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative Ochaque for his statement. I now give the floor to the Indigenous People Major Group, followed by the People of African Descent


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:39:30]:

Stakeholder Group. Over to you. Good afternoon, members of the Higher Level Political Forum. It's an honor to speak to you today on the topic that is both timely and crucial in terms of aligning global processes


Indigenous Peoples Major Group [1:39:46]:

through inclusive multilateralism. We would like to congratulate Southern African countries for the progress they have made in terms of their efforts with the SDGs. However, there is still room for improvement and an opportunity for more inclusiveness. At the heart of this conversation is the rights to self-determination as outlined in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People. Southern African countries have agreed to UNDRIP but is yet to include it into their legal systems and policy reform processes. Several Southern African countries develop various policies without the proper consultation and indigenous communities who will be affected by the implementation processes of the projects, ignoring the relevance and importance of free prior and informed consent, and ignoring environmental impact assessment reports. In conclusion, we would like to urge our governments to swiftly implement legal policy reforms that recognize the San and Khoikhoi as their own cultural community identity, languages, and safeguard their ancestral land and natural resources. It is crucial to establish clear land rights mechanisms to ensure secure tenure and to involve indigenous women in conservation initiatives. We are calling on our governments to collaborate with indigenous-led organizations and Indigenous women-led organizations in developing culturally relevant development programs that align with communities' self-determined priorities. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of the Indigenous People Major Group for her statement, and I now give the floor to the People of African Descent Stakeholder Group, followed


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:41:39]:

by Major Group for Children and youth. Over to you, sir. Thank you, Chair. I am from GLEDES, Black Women Institute, from Brazil, and I speak on behalf of the stakeholder group of people of African descent, a newly established mechanism that stands


People of African Descent Stakeholder Group [1:41:55]:

as a symbol of our collective demand for an inclusive multilateralism. We must strengthen and defend the participatory structures we have already built. The conferences, forums, and review mechanisms where civil society contributes meaningfully to shaping global norms. And above all, we must protect the language we have fought so hard to include in international documents. But it's not only about process, it's also about priorities. Race, gender, age, territory, and disability must be treated as non-negotiable criteria in every stage of decision-making. These are not just data points, they are the lived realities of the majority of the global population. When Brazil was under extreme right-wing governance, the vigilant civil society continued publishing the Shaddow Report to monitor SDG implementation and hold the government accountable. Even without political support, we did not abandon our responsibility. That's how civil society shows trust in multilateralism. Gender equality is achieved with a diverse, strong, and resilient feminist movement that includes African-descendant women, indigenous women, LGBTQIA+, Intergovernmental bodies must not only support these movements, they must follow their lead. Finance requires justice. There has to be common but differentiated responsibility, but also reparations. I thank the representative of the People of African Descent Stakeholder Group for her statement, and we'll hear from the last speaker for today's discussion, Major Group for Children and


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:44:02]:

Youth. Over to you. Thank you very much for the floor. My name is Sami Hkemil, and I'm speaking today on behalf of the Major Group for Children and Youth. MGCY engages over 20,000 youth organizations and more than


Major Group for Children and Youth · Sami Hkemil [1:44:18]:

260 UN processes, some of them who are here in the room standing in the balcony right behind me. First, we call upon all member states and UN agencies to heed the recommendations in the HLPF sectoral paper and the Voices of Youth Report 2025, including the outcomes of the ECOSOC Youth Forum. We don't come to HLPF as just one process. This involves countless youth. Second, civil society were key partners in building momentum around the delivering— around and delivering the Pact for the Future. While the youth constituency is actively involved in implementing Chapter 4 of the Pact, youth and civil society need to be included across all Pact working groups and the upcoming 2028 Pact review process from inception. Third, the ECOSOC Youth Forum is the most visible example of meaningful youth engagement in multilateralism. We call upon all member states to ensure the highest level of ministerial participation at the upcoming youth forums. Excellency, on the road to the World Social Summit, we highlight the urgent need for including rights holders, major groups, and other stakeholders in leadership of civil society process. While we reaffirm the Copenhagen commitments, we must also be bold in order to set a new social contract that centers communities and puts equity inclusion, and justice at its heart. 5 years ago, we commended the UN 75 as a moment of enhanced multilateralism. We cannot walk into UN 80 dismantling that very multilateralism. Finally, we are talking about development and sustainability while armed conflicts are tearing our world apart and depriving people from their basic human rights. Once again, we're reiterating our call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in all conflicts across the world. I thank the distinguished representative of the Major Group for Children and Youth for his statement. We have time for one more speaker. I now give the floor to Civil Society Financing for Development Mechanism. Over to you. Thank you. My name is Mahinour El Badraoui from the Centre for Economic


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:46:34]:

and Social Rights, and I on behalf of the Civil Society Financing for Development mechanism. Achieving the SDGs requires


Civil Society Financing for Development Mechanism · Mahinour El Badraoui [1:46:41]:

bold rights-based financing, and deeper transformations on tax, debt, care, and climate finance are urgently needed, including in the post-FFD processes. Much more must be done to shift the global economy beyond political statements to binding action, placing human rights, sustainability, and public financing at the core. The outcome falls short on addressing corporate capture, trade injustice, weakening the UN role in global economic governance. To advance towards stronger multilateralism systems and an international financial architecture that upholds SDGs 3, 5, 8, and 17, we must push forward by building coalitions of the willing to lead where multilateralism is being challenged. We call on member states to continue supporting the UN Framework Convention on International Tax cooperation, to end tax abuses, and to reclaim public financing. Adopt a UN Framework Convention on Sovereign Debt to ensure fair, rights-aligned restructuring without austerity, and a UN Convention on Development Cooperation to frame aid as a justice and a reparation issue, not discretion. Sustainable development depends on redistributive justice, which requires transforming the global economic system to support human rights, care, and climate action. ODA must be fulfilled not as generosity, but as an overdue obligation. This is the coherence we need, a cross-border, cross-sector, and cross-generation feminist, decolonial, and rights-based future. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of civil society financing for development mechanisms for his statement. We have heard from the last speaker on the list. Unfortunately, due to the high


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:48:36]:

interest in the topic of discussion and time constraints, it was not possible to hear from all of those wishing to intervene. I will now give the floor back to the moderator in order to hear her concluding remarks. You have the floor, madam. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to all our speakers and contributors. What we heard is clear: we must remain hopeful because despite relentless attacks, communities are the ones leading change and


Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism · Co-Chair · Rashima [1:49:04]:

driving solutions, and we do it best in partnership. We do it often with few resources but unwavering purpose, and that is exactly where the Major Groups and other stakeholder mechanisms stand. As one of the most organized, sustained and principled platforms for global participation. We know that inclusive multilateralism is the only solution. So consult early, engage meaningfully, resource our work, protect this mechanism, and step into your responsibilities, not just as negotiators but as allies in justice. To those of us in the Global South and East, those of us who have been structurally pushed to the margins, we know where power lives. It lives in us, and we are demanding that our governments act, not to maintain the system as it is, but to remake it in our image. Let today be more than a reflection. Let it be a reckoning. Let it be a rallying call. Let it be a reminder that if multilateralism is to mean anything at all, it must be accountable to the people who sustain it, who have been here since the very start— we the people. Thank you very much, and I now give the floor back to Chair and say a heartfelt thank you, and thank you to the President as well. Thank you for the energy and the commitment to valuing and protecting the role of the major groups and other stakeholders in civil society. We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Tapa as the next President also. Thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the moderator for for expertly guiding an interesting exchange of views. I also thank our distinguished speakers and delegations for their substantive and valuable


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [1:50:42]:

contributions. Please join me in a round of applause for all of them and for all of us here today. We will now take a brief pause to rearrange the podium for our next panel discussion on Transformation from the ground up, acting at the local level. Please remain seated. So, I know— I'm sorry. All speakers, please approach the podium. Colleagues, please find your seats. Very good afternoon, one and all. Please take your seats. Colleagues, help me out. Very good afternoon to you all. I invite the forum to begin its interactive panel discussion on the theme Transformation from the Ground Up: Acting at Local Level. This discussion will showcase successful local and regional approaches to accelerating sustainable, inclusive science and evidence based solutions for the SDGs. Please, could we have silence in the room? It will discuss the enablers of these successes and consider how local action can be expanded in all regions to accelerate progress towards all 17 goals. I'm now pleased to welcome our distinguished panelists. Ms. Carmen Paz, Mayor of San Nicolás in the Department of Santa Bárbara in Honduras, and Mr. Thabo Gumatlhu, Project Manager for International Programs and Partnerships at the South Africa Local Government Association, SALGA. As well, I also welcome our lead discussants. I am also pleased to welcome the moderator, Ms. Emilia Saiz, Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments. I now hand the floor over to the moderator. to conduct the discussion. And I would like to ask once again for silence in the room so that we can have an interactive and respectful session with our panelists. You have the floor. Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, dear Ambassador. Allow me to begin this session I would like to start by thanking you for organizing a session on this subject, because we indeed are convinced


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [1:56:44]:

that it is only from the local level and only acting from the ground up that we can build a better world that leaves no one behind. I'm very pleased to recall that over 65% of the targets behind the Sustainable Development Goals are related to local action. So it is extremely important to involve local actors, not only the closest sphere of government to the people, local and regional governments, but also organized civil society and communities to rally them behind the goals. We are pleased to see how this movement is growing strong. We will hear from those examples today, and we would like to recall that we are seeing an increased interest in national governments, in member states, to involve local and regional governments in the voluntary national review processes. We are happy to report that 46% of the voluntary national reviews that have been presented this year have been involving in a meaningful way local and regional governments, but there is still a large percentage that is not doing that. Let us demonstrate with the discussions today how meaningful involvement can be, how actions are done at local level, and what this entails. In order to do that, I am very happy that the representatives that have been selected for this panel represents local and regional government associations, because these are not individual efforts. Local and regional governments are organized. They are organized behind associations and networks to push for transformation, and we are going to hear from 2 of those cases today. Me encanta presentar. I'm delighted now to introduce Mayor Carmen Paz from San Nicolás in Honduras, who is an active member of the Association of Municipalities of Honduras, AMON. Dear Mayor, you've already joined us at the Local and Regional Government Forum yesterday morning, and I would like to ask you what has changed How has your action in the mayor's office been changed by being involved in the SDG segment? What does it mean for you to have these voluntary local reports and what transformation has been achieved? So please go ahead, you have the floor. Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to share this afternoon with you and to tell you that as soon as the United Nations established the office in Honduras. We have proximity with the local government, and


San Nicolás · Mayor · Carmen Paz [1:59:42]:

we managed through the empowerment of communities to have community plans that we then took to a municipal development plan and to ensure alignment with the 2030 Agenda and also to achieve the empowerment and ownership of the organizational structures of the community. Through a multi-sectoral board that brings together all of the actors that support us and that provide constant support to us throughout the implementation of the processes that we're pursuing at the municipal level. And that's very important because we really have a before and an after. We are involved in a training exercise that allowed a team from the mayor's office to begin to work on a voluntary local report. Of the 298 municipalities in Honduras, only 2 have been through that exercise, which is something that allows for greater participation of stakeholders in the implementation of the SDGs and also helps strengthen data at the local level. This contributes to evidence-based action. Of the 298 local governments in Honduras, we don't really among those local governments have a proper platform or a tool that would allow us to measure and gradually evaluate the progress in implementation and the level of investment across all of the territories in the country. And so it's very important that we take this opportunity. To ask for coordination from the United Nations Office with the Association of Municipalities of Honduras that brings together those 298 local governments. The effective integration of the SDGs in local and national plans was very important. As soon as we started aligning our local planning with the 2030 Agenda, we began to make gradual progress Despite we did have— despite the fact that we had some limitations as well. Very often what happens is that the economic resources in local regions, local governments are not enough to make progress. We have the political will and we also know the steps that need to be taken in order to do this hard work that we have to do at the local government level, which is where we face realities on a daily level. on a daily basis. Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. You've been very efficient with your time. You've expressed a number of messages, and in particular, I'd like to stress this idea of planning, this comprehensive planning and


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:02:30]:

this organized interaction. Of the South African Local Government Association, the challenge there has been very interesting. There were several local governments that had done voluntary local reviews, but what the South African Local Government Association has undertaken is an even greater challenge. They have decided to do a voluntary subnational review, and that process has taught us many things. It has made a difference. I want to invite you, Tebogo Matlou, to share with us what that difference has been. Madam Chair, Madam President, thank you very much. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. How we did it was to bring the policy integration and planning together, because we've got what we call Municipal Integrated


SALGA · Project Manager · Tebogo Matlou [2:03:24]:

Development Plan. So we started there to analyze the municipal plan and ensure that we are integrating the SDG, but not only the SDG, also the Agenda 2063, because we are also able to deal with that. How we did it was to bring the cities together through a call expression of interest, and they applied to be in the program, which is a capacity building program for 7 months. Those cities were the bigger cities like City of Johannesburg, City of Etikweni, City of Tshwane, The 2 hosts of the Urban 20 for the G20 were part of the program. We put them through that program where we deal with partnership because SDG is all about partnership and collaboration. We partnered with different departments, Department of Statistics South Africa, on enhancing data because data was very key. We brought inclusive stakeholders where municipalities had to engage stakeholders. Why? Because we had to bring communities as drivers in the seat, because SDG is all about communities. We said it can't be that communities are beneficiaries, but we said they must be shareholders in the development of local government. Their contribution was to promote participatory governance by encouraging civil society, academia, business, residents to take part in the planning at the beginning. That's how we managed to do that. The coordination was very key because the SALGA will also sit and chair SDG number 11, 6, and 7 because everything happens at local government. We are here at the UN office, but the service is provided by local government. We flew, all of us here, but the service was provided by who? By local government. The access to resources and partnership was very key. We had to partner with UNDESA, UNDP, UCLG to integrate both the VSR, Voluntary Subnational Review, and Voluntary Local Review. Thank you. Issues because everything happens where? At local government. And we had to bring also the innovation in service delivery because we had to bring projects. So we took Municipal Integrated Development Plan and say, what are your projects that you are doing that are going to affect communities? And you cannot plan those projects without communities. So that's how we did that. The institutional capacity building, as I said, with SALGA was very, very key as part of the example in the city of Etikweni, city of Cape Town, on data and monitoring through the work that we did. As we are opening this session, we had what we call Save the Children. We brought also smaller children to be part of us because it's the future. The infrastructure that you are bringing, it must be resilient, but it must be able to be utilized by the future. SDGs, normally we have to bring the young ones, not people like me, because you can see my head is white, but it's climate change. It's real. It's not like it's an aging infrastructure, but assets are very key for SDGs so that we can be able to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. Madam Chair, as we are celebrating tomorrow the Mandela Day, I saw the statue there. We need to see how we must change this reporting because it's always about voluntarily, and I normally ask a question. We must— voluntary efforts are no longer enough. Voluntary reports, commitments, and voluntary resources are not enough, Madam Chair. We need to start to be useful with how we are going to match the structural complex challenges that local government faces and bring communities into the driving seat. Thank you very much. Thank you. Hold that thought and start thinking about the next question I will ask you after I go back to the mayor, I'm going to ask you, Tobogo, if there was one ask that you could have to this audience, what would


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:08:07]:

be that ask to allow us to enhance this work? I want to emphasize something that you have said, which is the voluntary local reviews, the voluntary subnational reviews are allowing us not only to monitor what we have been doing, but actually to look to the future about what kind of transformation what kind of policies we want to make. And now, Madam Mayor, as a representative and chair of the Gender Commission of the AMMON Association, I wanted to ask you, do you think that involvement with the SDGs is also having an impact on the gender equality process? Because for us on the top table here, that's very important, of course. So something for you to think about. Well, when you first asked me a question, I was racing against the time because I didn't realize how much time we had, but I see we have maybe 3 minutes. Okay. Yes, I am the chair of the Gender Commission of the Association


San Nicolás · Mayor · Carmen Paz [2:09:15]:

of Municipalities of Honduras, where only 6% of territories are represented by women. That commission is a multi-stakeholder, multi-ethnic commission made up of both men and women, and there we have managed to get a national agenda as well. We're involved at the level of mayors and deputy mayors. Because often in territories the deputies are women rather than the mayors themselves, local councillors as well, as they're called in some places. And we are making progress on training among public officials, for example, also engaging in empowerment activities at the legislative level. But we have rolled out some cases of good practices Among mayors, we've engaged in exchanges of experiences that allows us to improve our involvement. We've led actions together with the Gender Commission of the Congress and with the cooperation agencies working on these subjects. We have raised our voice in media campaigns. We have also demanded the adoption. Of a law punishing and eradicating violence against women. And all of that is coordinated, which is something that we'd not managed to do before, to be able to have a common agenda and work together. That's very valuable for us. But what's more, we have also tried to have the necessary impact at the central government level and in the secretariat, the ministry level, and we are working together in that way, not in isolation, not in silos. We are working to strengthen the competencies of local governments so that in addition we can manage to talk about gender-sensitive budgeting, for example, so that those 298 local governments of territory can have a governing board that is making sure that in the budgets of those mayoralties and in those municipal investment plans, there is gender labeling, gender tagging in the budgets. And so today, the Commission is calling for this to be made in a— done in a cross-cutting way rather than simply as a percentage or a quota. 100% of our budget really needs to be gender sensitive, from the Secretary of the central level in Honduras. Our plans also have this gender approach and this gender-sensitive budgeting approach, and that constitutes progress for women in politics and policy. To have women's leadership, to strengthen that leadership, and to support these agendas— that's another job that the Gender Commission is doing. Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. It's very important for us here to strengthen the representation of women at the local level as a measure under SDG 5? A little bit longer in your answer before a very, very quick remark


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:12:36]:

on that very ask that you would have. You did one. It shouldn't be voluntary. We need to do reporting, so nothing voluntary. One more ask from your side. Madam Chair, poverty is not voluntary. Climate shocks are not voluntary. Youth unemployment is not voluntary. Inequality is not voluntary. Water crisis, gender-based violence, infrastructure collapse are not voluntary.


SALGA · Project Manager · Tebogo Matlou [2:13:14]:

This must be mandatory as we are close to 2030. We cannot fight this systematic crisis with optional tools. Voluntary efforts alone cannot, Madam Chair, meet the urgency and complexity of SDG challenges, especially in local government. So, so we are calling for ring-fenced SDG localization. And local government is not just delivering services, it's shaping the sustainable future for all. All of us who are working there to meet the SDG by 2030, Madam Chair, the efforts must evolve into mandatory, not an option. Thank you. Yeah, inclusive and well-resourced frameworks, data-driven, coordinated ecosystem. I want to quote Nelson Mandela, Madam Chair. To finish? Yeah, to finish. Let's do it. As we celebrate tomorrow, we must confront a growing contradiction in our developmental journey. Let's remember his words. It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. I think you have been convincing the audience. I think the mayor has also made a very strong case. Thank you for these applause for the panelists. Allow me now to go to the discussions. I would like


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:15:04]:

to invite Ms. Natsia Rehman, Chair of the Congress of the Committee on Social Inclusion and Human Dignity of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. Natsia, it's a pleasure to have you with us. Thank you, Madam President. Can you— we cannot hear you well. Can you press your mic? Let us see. Let us try now. Is it on? Can you hear me? Yes. Yes. Right. Okay. Thank you, Madam President, Excellencies, colleagues, and partners. Good afternoon.


Congress of Local and Regional Authorities · Chair · Natsia Rehman [2:15:44]:

It's not a secret that more than 60% of the UN 2030 Agenda targets require the active involvement of local and regional authorities. To meet these goals, we must accelerate the localization of the SDGs and provide local government with real autonomy, both in decision-making and in financial capacity. In March this year, at its 48th session, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities adopted a key recommendation on the role of local and regional authorities in protecting and promoting social rights and fostering social development. The message was clear: inclusive, community-driven social policy is only possible when closest— when those closest to the people, local governments, have the power to act. Let me offer an example from Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, where our devolved governance model is delivering precisely that. As part of the UK's devolution agreements, Greater Manchester was the first region which gained powers over health, transport, housing and skills. This has allowed us to take an integrated, place-based approach to social development. In Wigan, where I come from, the Wigan Deal redefined the relationship between local government and communities, focusing on trust, collaboration and co-delivery of services by investing in prevention empowering residents and protecting frontline services, we've been improved wellbeing outcomes, greater civic participation and reduced demand on crisis services. At a regional level, the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter is improving working collaboration across sectors, supporting decent pay, security and wellbeing of thousands of workers. Meanwhile, our targeted retrofit and housing initiatives are reducing emissions and energy poverty simultaneously. Greater Manchester becomes the first region to take control of its buses, and as a franchising model, the Bee Network integrated buses, cycling, and walking. And these successes didn't come from top-down instructions, they came from genuine local leadership. So I call on national governments and international partners that if we have to transformation— if we want to transform from the ground up, we must match words with action. Local and regional authorities must be properly resourced, empowered, and trusted to deliver, because when we localize the SDGs, we humanize them. Finally, I would like to welcome, but at the same time express my concerns about the digital and artificial intelligence development in this area. I would be really interested to listen to my colleagues on the panels and their views on this topic, because I do believe that we must ensure that digital strides do not become digital divides. Thank you. Thank you very much for sharing those examples, for sharing your call, and for proposing that interesting topic that I think will need to be the subject of debate of another moment, but certainly very important for local and regional


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:19:05]:

governments as well, as well as organized civil society. Allow me now to go to Mr. Rudolf Heinrich Bühler. He represents a small farmers association that has been protecting an autochthon type of swine, and I don't dare Mr. Bühler, to pronounce the wonderful name that your association has. So I invite you to do that for us and to go ahead with the intervention. Okay, thank you, Ms. President, for giving also the floor to farmers. My name is Rudolf Bühler and I'm a farmer and founder of the Farmers Association of Schwäbisch Hall in Germany and others in the south and east of the world. I am pleased and


Farmers' Major Group · Rudolf Heinrich Bühler [2:19:51]:

honored to speak on behalf of the whole farmers' major group today. The strength and success of our farmers' associations became a lighthouse for regional rural development, and its knowledge and experience had been extended and passed on to a lot of farmers' groups in Eastern Europe, in the Global South. Saving biodiversity, animal welfare, organic and sustainable farming, Establishing value chains from field to fork in order to generate a fair share to— for the income to the farmers are the main tasks and goals of these lighthouse projects. From 8,500 member farmers in my home region, Hohenlohe, from 5,000 to 30,000 member farmers in Ghana, from 120 to 17,000 organic member farmers at Wayanad in Kerala and others show that joint and solidaric development can contribute and enforce SDG goals to the ground. Our approach is localizing the SDGs through organic, regenerative, and other forms of sustainable and climate-resilient family farming. In 2016, we have established a Farmers Academy at the Farmers' Castle of Kirchberg, Germany. Main tasks there had been localizing SDGs, localizing global peasants' rights, and climate-resilient projects. Already in 2017, we came up with the draft for the basic rights of farmers by hosting more than 400 farmers' groups and NGOs there, which was adopted on December 18th, 2018, by the General Assembly here at UN in New York as the Declaration for Global Peasants' Rights. You see, if farmers and peasants unite at local level in sovereign community-based organizations, the implementation and localizing of SDGs will accelerate. Our aim and task is localizing SDGs in time, Localizing global peasants' rights worldwide. Peace with nature, peace among humans. Thank you, Ms. President. Thank you very much. It is so relevant to recall that when we talk about the local level, when we talk about cities, when we talk about our urbanized world, we are also talking about the importance of the rural-urban continuous. It is important


United Cities and Local Governments · Secretary-General · Emilia Saiz [2:22:42]:

as well to realize that local service provision is not enough if we don't protect the commons, which is also a role that local and regional governments need to engage with. It's very interesting that you have brought that perspective to this panel, and we're very grateful. Madam Chair, I will give you back back the floor in a second. Yes, I want to recall how important it is to foster new governance models that promote people, environment, and people-centered governance, to recognize the leadership of local and regional governments, to ensure local financing, to support the development of public local data, to boost disaggregated data production, the access and the use of this data, but also to advance decentralization that empowers not only local and regional governments, but the communities that they serve to define the future that they want for this generation and for future generations as well. We do hope that you will continue to call this kind of sessions in the next session of the High-Level Political Forum, and we are very grateful for the great job that you are doing at ECOSOC to open up the discussion with all the stakeholders. Thank you very much. I thank the moderator for conducting the panel. We will now proceed to the interactive discussion. I also take this opportunity to remind participants that the time limit for interventions will be 2 minutes. A countdown clock is visible


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:24:35]:

on the screen to alert speakers when it is time to conclude their statements, and the microphone will be switched off automatically. I apologize in advance if your statement is cut off midway. It is already 5:26 in the afternoon. I now give the floor to His Excellency Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe, followed by His Excellency Radim Sirson, Vice Minister of Regional Development of Czechia. 2 minutes each. Over to you. Okay, thank you very much, Madam Chair, distinguished Panelists, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me begin by expressing my gratitude for this opportunity to share Zimbabwe's experience on this very important topic, Transformation


Zimbabwe · Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare · Edgar Moyo [2:25:24]:

from the Ground Up: Acting at Local Level. The theme resonates with Zimbabwe's national development philosophy, particularly our policy of devolution, which affirms that sustainable development must be rooted at the local level. It is only through empowering communities and responding to their specific needs that we can ensure the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leaving no one and no place behind. This approach is also central to our national aspiration of attaining an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. In this context, allow me to highlight some of the key interventions undertaken by my government to advance transformation from the ground up. First, our devolution policy empowers local authorities with greater responsibilities and resources to enhance service delivery. Second, we continue to advance the use of voluntary local reviews to further anchor development at the local level. To date, all 92 of our local authorities have been capacitated to carry out voluntary local reviews, with 57 VLR reports having been completed. Third, we are scaling up investment in community-based natural resource management, empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, to sustainably manage forests, water, and wildlife. Throughout these interventions, we remain cognizant that effective and inclusive leadership is fundamental to building stronger, more equitable, and more resilient communities. In conclusion, Zimbabwe's approach to transformation from the ground up is not just policy, it reflects our philosophical approach of leaving no one behind. I thank you, Minister, for your statement. Colleagues, we are running behind. I now give the floor to His Excellency Randim Sersen, Vice Minister of Regional Development in Czechia, followed by Italy and Malta. Your Excellency, the floor is yours. Excellencies,


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:27:37]:

dear participants, ladies and gentlemen, sustainable development has been already mainstreamed into national public policies across the world. However, the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved without local and regional governments. The real


Czechia · Vice Minister of Regional Development · Radim Sirson [2:27:51]:

change happens in communities, towns, and regions. In Czechia, we believe that municipalities and regions are driving force of progress. For that reason, the Ministry of Regional Development implements tools that transform the Global Goals into everyday municipal and regional policies. Participation is the key principle of the SDGs localization. That is why we cooperate with local and regional governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. SDGs localization is based on the following key approaches. Firstly, integration of SDGs into regional and spatial planning. This is done through methodological guidance, training, as well as different applications and territorially integrated approaches. Secondly, financial support through national programs and EU funds for different projects. Such support enables municipalities and regions to implement sustainable development projects in areas such as blue-green infrastructure, housing, or digitalization of public services. Thirdly, support of the implementation of responsible public procurement. This type of support considers economic as well as social, environmental, and innovation aspects. Finally, data and monitoring. In cooperation with the Czech Statistical Office, we have been working together to provide data required for tracking sustainability progress at both regional and local level. Thanks to involvement of municipalities and regions, Czechia is making progress in areas such as transport accessibility and sustainable mobility, revitalization of public spaces, promotion of quality of education, etc. To conclude, SDGs localization is not just a technical task. It is an opportunity to bring sustainability closer to every citizen. It strengthens trust in public institutions and builds resilient communities. You did your best, Excellency. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy, followed by Malta and Timor-Leste. Let's stick to the 2-minute mark. Italy. Thank you, Madam Chair, and allow me to highlight 3 critical gaps crucial to be addressed in order to unleash action from the ground level up. First, the issue of policy coherence, aligning policies from global and national levels down to regional and local authorities and linking sustainable


Italy [2:30:09]:

development frameworks to budgeting at all levels is crucial to ensure that our commitments are translated into meaningful action where it matters most. Second, capacity, which is the engine that drives implementation. Capacity building means empowering local authorities and stakeholders through targeted investments, providing adequate training, and creating spaces for enabling multilevel collaboration. Third, measurability. Under the lens of policy coherence for sustainable development, this means measuring at all levels the effectiveness of the 2030 Agenda implementation process and assessing the contribution of each institution and policy to the achievement of the SDGs. In Italy, we have supported local authorities in integrating SDGs into their own sustainable development strategies and policies, and in aligning them with our national strategic framework. In 2026, Italy is planning to present its 3rd BNR, which will integrate VLRs and a Youth VR, reflecting our efforts to ensure meaningful involvement of all stakeholders nationally and locally, and to make sustainable development a truly shared journey. It is with this spirit that Italy has launched the Partnership Platform on Localizing the SDGs together with UN-Habitat, a global knowledge sharing and collaboration hub to support multilevel governance. Governance and collaboration. In pursuing this commitment, we will continue to work with the Local 2030 Coalition and G20 SDGs localization intermediary cities. At HLPF, 10 countries will sign their participation to the partnership platform. We invite other interested members and organizations to join as well. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Malta— from Italy for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta, followed by Timor-Leste. Thank you, Madam Chair. As Malta United Nations Youth delegates, we are joining you here today with the core message that transformation


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:32:10]:

starts where we are, that it is in our communities, our neighborhoods, and our islands. Young people have been at the forefront of change, from being the catalyst to declare a climate


Malta [2:32:20]:

emergency to fostering digital literacy across generations. Young people remain the architects of transformation, and they do so through education and advocacy, not for tomorrow but for now. But for transformation to be effective and sustainable, it must be inclusive. Action must reach those on the margins, the ones often overlooked and are then tasked in making the status quo work for them. Migrants, persons with disabilities, young people not in employment or education are just a few. In Malta, youth organizations are working hand in hand with local councils to ensure that no voice is left unheard and that policies reflect the diversity of our generation. However, one cannot speak about local transformation and not urge for further investing in civic education and youth spaces. Empowering young people to understand their rights and responsibilities and to lead change from within their own towns, villages, regions, and schools. The United Nations must recognize that global goals depend on local realities. Therefore, it would be remiss to not call for increased support to national and local youth councils, the integration of youth delegates in municipal decision-making, and better access to resources for grassroots innovation. From the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo to every corner of the world, Young people are rising. Give us the tools, the trust, and the space, and we will transform our communities from the ground up. We thank you. Hear, hear! Grazie mille, Malta. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, followed by volunteer stakeholder group Azerbaijan and Mexico. Timor-Leste. Excellency Chair, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Timor-Leste strongly believes that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires transformation from the


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:34:18]:

ground up, and that transformation must put gender equality and women's empowerment at its core. Through our SDG localization efforts, including national


Timor-Leste [2:34:30]:

review, we have taken concrete steps to working with line ministries, civil society, people with disability organizations, women's organizations, academia, private sector, municipal and local leaders to ensure their voices and meaningful participation shaping development priorities. The Government of Timor-Leste, through Secretary of State for Equality, together with UN Women and the National Statistics Statistics Authority are collaborating to improve gender-disaggregated data systems to track progress on issues such as maternal health, education, and women's participation in all sectors. Timor-Leste is also localizing SDGs by advancing the use of gender-responsive budgeting in municipal planning and budgeting, aligning with SDG targets and gender equality policies such as CEDAW recommendations, the Mobisi Declaration, and our national action plans on gender-based violence, women, peace and security, and people with disabilities' rights. Our commitment is to empower women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups not just as beneficiaries but as full partners in development from national to every suku in the country. In closing, Timor-Leste reaffirms its dedication to the path of transformation from the ground and building a more equal, inclusive future through local leadership and global solutions. I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste for her statement. statement, I now give the floor to the Volunteer Stakeholder Group, followed by Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Guatemala. Madam Excellencies, it's my privilege to represent the Volunteer Stakeholder Group leading into 2026, UNGA's International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This moment teaches us of disaster,


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:36:36]:

disruption, and the brightness that may follow. On January 7th, my family and I left our home knowing we would not return We passed through a firestorm that ultimately claimed 75,000 acres of land, 30 lives, and caused more than $200 billion


Mexico [2:36:50]:

of damage. Golden, the social enterprise I founded, has become the digital infrastructure of record for over 40,000 global organizations across sectors, including many of those responding to the Los Angeles wildfires, like the State of California government, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, and the Salvation Army. As both a coordinator and a survivor of the same event, I learned that the needy seek immediately viable options. to improve dire circumstances. FEMA, AmeriCorps, and 52 United States service commissions are revisiting their delivery plans amidst significant funding changes to in-flight programs. Operations in many places have completely stalled. Entire towns remain underwater from Hurricane Helene. Golden committed $500 million of software licenses to help set affected organizations back in motion. Operators of externally funded organizations delivering critical missions value efficiency when systems are strained. Faith is the only limitless resource. Amid deadly political protests in Kenya last week, brave community-level operators showed me their projects, including juvenile medical facilities serving the 5% of Kenya's population currently living with HIV. With contracting foreign aid funding and 6 months of medication supply remaining, volunteer-led fundraising appears to be a sustainable path forward. Mobile-first technology and trust-based funding practices position volunteers to streamline support for beneficiaries while paving a foundation for artificial intelligence to amplify targeted impact. Excellencies, let's translate the future state we imagine beyond 2030 into last-mile local action. Thank you. I thank Volunteer Stakeholder Group for his statement. I now give the floor to Azerbaijan, followed by Mexico and Guatemala. Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, Mexico,


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:38:39]:

and Guatemala. Oh, Azerbaijan is not here. Microphone for Mexico, please. Mexico, you have the floor. For Mexico, it's key to promote the agenda at the local level, and therefore it's important


Guatemala · Secretary for Women · Ana López [2:38:57]:

to work hand in hand with local governments. In Mexico, we are promoting the alignment of state development plans with the 2030 Agenda, as well as measuring and statistics mechanisms that shed light on progress that has been achieved. What's more, we are promoting the development of voluntary local reports, and in total we presented 31 voluntary local reports, and currently we are working with 27 municipalities from 14 of the states in our country, and this positions us as a benchmark for Latin America and the world. Awareness-raising work with local governments is reflected in actions such as the establishment of the Municipal Council for the 2030 Agenda in Nuevo Laredo, or the adoption of sustainable practices, the use of clean energy, labor inclusion, and the reduction of the carbon footprint of local businesses in Aguascalientes. And also municipalities aligning their development plans with the 2030 Agenda in Tamaulipas. Moreover, since 2023, we've been working with young people through the Youth Network for the 2030 Agenda, which is made up of 32 young people, one for each federal entity. The aim of that network is to raise awareness about the SDGs in their communities using simple and approachable language and also the development and implementation of sustainable projects to transform their communities. Mexico believes firmly that collective learning and informed decision-making based on local experience is essential to consolidate effective and sustainable public policies. When communities participate, when their realities are


Indigenous Peoples Major Group · Ujjwal Ajim [2:40:40]:

centered, that strengthens the institute— it strengthens institutions and allows us to forge collaborative networks with a cross-cutting approach. Thank you very much. I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico for his statement, and I have the honor to give the floor to Ms. Ana López, the Secretary for Women of Guatemala. You have the floor. A very good afternoon, distinguished Madam President and delegates here present. As the Presidential Secretary for Women, it is an honor to share with that in Guatemala we are promoting a policy of social inclusion with a territorial approach through territorial dialogues involving defenders and leaders of women's organizations, municipal directorates for women, women members of the system of urban and rural development councils, and other spaces organizing women and indigenous peoples to make sure that they can participate in the formulation of public policies and budgets for the social development of women, indigenous women, peasant women, rural women, girls, women of the third age, women with disabilities, and migrant women. All of this in the context of implementing the SDGs. Social development is the function of the government. It is a way to facilitate access to the land, education, health, economic development, decent housing, civic participation, and the prevention of violence. And that has to be guaranteed through a territorial policy that takes into account civic participation and the civic participation of women that have historically been marginalized. For the government of Guatemala, civic participation of civil society at the community and local level is a fundamental principle for the construction of the rule of law and inclusive social democracy, and also for the fostering of social development in the pursuit of a decent human life for the population of women and the poorest indigenous peoples of Guatemala. Thank you. I thank the Secretary for


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:42:52]:

Women of Guatemala for her statement. Indigenous people major group, followed by India and Thank you, Chair. My name is Ujjwal Ajim and I am from Bangladesh. Today,


India [2:43:06]:

I am honored to speak on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples' Major Group. Development from the ground up is critical to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and ensure a people-centered development. Support for Indigenous Peoples-led initiatives aligned with our aspirations for development is gaining traction. The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility under IFAD, governed by Indigenous Peoples, and the Indigenous Navigator funded by the European Union are just some examples of initiatives that exemplifies that direct partnership with and financing for Indigenous Peoples to development their determined development. Challenges brought about by imposed development in our territories without our pre-, prior-, and informed consent persist and are accelerating threats to our livelihoods and well-being. Extraction of critical minerals, mega hydropower dams, industrial concessions, and exclusive conservation initiatives in our territories trigger multidimensional conflicts that disable us from fully realizing our right to self-determination. The implementation of the SDGs needs to be strongly anchored to the realization of the human rights and for Indigenous Peoples, the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Political will is needed among states to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are accounted for in national data through data disaggregation by ethnicity and are meaningfully engaged in national and local development processes. SDG localization efforts should be inclusive and responsive, with adequate financial and technical support through direct financing and partnership with Indigenous Peoples. We are not merely vulnerable groups or beneficiaries. Indigenous— I thank the Indigenous Peoples Group, a major group representative, for his statement. I now give the floor to India, followed by Indonesia and Thailand. India. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, India's commitment to the 2030 Agenda is grounded in a simple but powerful belief that sustainable development must begin where people live, in communities,


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:45:31]:

villages, towns, and cities. Over the past decade, we have built a strong


Indonesia [2:45:36]:

model on SDG localization that is inclusive, data-driven, and decentralized. Our states and union territories have taken the lead embedding the SDGs into their development strategies and budgets. Across the country, over a quarter million local governments are aligning their priorities with the SDGs, beginning global— bringing global goals into everyday governance. Our approach is backed by robust measurement frameworks. The SDG India Index, along with regional tools, like the Northeastern Region Index and the Panchayat Development Index allows us to track progress with granularity. These are more than measurement tools. These are instruments for dialogue, performance improvement, and course correction. A key enabler of this shift has been the establishment of SDG coordination and acceleration centers across several states and UTs. Developed in partnership with UNDP, these centers serve as institutional anchors Equipping governments with the capacity, data, and strategic guidance to align actions with outcomes through evidence-based decision-making. This experience offers valuable lessons for countries across the Global South. India's localization approach, grounded in democratic decentralization, real-time data, and institutional capacity, has the potential to inform South-South cooperation and peer learning. Looking ahead, we are scaling up the centers, depending— deepening district-level planning, leveraging digital tools, preparing accelerator plans, and addressing the SDG financing gap. For India, localization is not a slogan, it is the foundation of our development approach. As we advance towards our centenary milestone of Vikasit Bharat, a developed nation by


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:47:12]:

2047, we see the 2030 Agenda as a vital waypoint on that journey. I thank the distinguished representative of India for his statement. I now give the floor to Indonesia,


Thailand [2:47:28]:

followed by Thailand and Portugal. Thank you, Madam Chair. Since adopting the SDGs, Indonesia has committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda targets at both national and local level. To drive local implementation, the government has strengthened regulation, and mainstream SDGs international and subnational development plan. This integration ensures concrete responsibilities and budget allocation for SDGs implementation, promoting inclusive and participatory development. Furthermore, implementation is closely monitored and evaluated through established development monitoring and evaluation and reporting system. Local government and non-governmental stakeholders are being encouraged to develop and publish SDG voluntary local reviews, extending their reach to regional and global level. This initiative has boosted local actors' capacity to prioritize and tackle regional-specific challenges in pursuit of the SDGs. The integration of SDG targets into the development agenda provides clear direction for non-governmental actors, including academia, civil society organizations, business, and international development partners. To align and synergize with efforts in achieving the SDGs. We have fostered more intensive local collaboration with non-state actors, recognizing their valuable contribution in bridging financing gaps and reaching communities on the ground. To conclude, Indonesia highlights the


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:49:01]:

critical role of localizing SDGs in driving transformative change and commits to strengthening local governance. community engagement, and partnership to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Together, let us harness the power of local action


Portugal [2:49:17]:

to accelerate SDG progress and leave no one behind. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia for his statement. I now give the floor to Thailand, followed by Portugal, a major group for children and youth. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thailand believes that sustainable development can only be achieved when national policies align with local efforts. In 2022, all 76 provincial governors signed a statement of commitment to a sustainable Thailand to raise awareness and strengthen institutional capacity for SDGs implementation nationwide. With the support of the UN Kanti team, we have developed SDG profile in 15 pilot provinces and completed 2 VLRs and the 3rd one underway. We are now working with UN-Habitat to develop a national VLR framework as guidance for other interested municipalities. These efforts have helped promote policy coherence, identify key challenges, opportunities, and create inclusive platform for communities. Towards their needs. Another key aspect is the use of localized data systems to monitor progress, inform policies, and allocate resources to the local level. Thailand has developed the Thai People Map, an analytic big data platform, to identify and address localized challenges. From our VNR multi-stakeholder consultations, there were strong calls from stakeholders to enhance SDG localization in the country and the need for policy research that address local needs. In closing, local actions also need national support. Governments play a key role in creating an enabling environment and ensuring that local


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:51:06]:

authorities have the autonomy and resources to respond to the needs of dialogue quality. I thank you. I thank the distinguished Representative of Thailand for her statement.


Major Group for Children and Youth · Ahmed Odeh [2:51:18]:

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal, followed by Major Group for Children and Youth and Türkiye. You have the floor, Ambassador. Thank you very much, Madam President. When Portugal presented its 2nd voluntary national report in 2023, the assessment of our national progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda was globally positive. In a whole-of-government approach, we collected many best practices and projects at local and regional level that reflected the good work done by our public authorities and civil society. We continue to see the appropriation and the growing appropriation of the 2030 Agenda by our municipalities shown in the multiple voluntary local reviews that are being developed and presented. This year, 4 additional municipalities presented their VLRs, which were elaborated in a truly inclusive manner. We believe that these VLRs are essential elements in monitoring and implementing the SDGs. By showcasing local realities, they feed into the national context and provide disaggregated information to better tailor public policies. Moreover, Local authorities are frontline actors in the implementation of various SDGs and have a greater proximity to citizens, allowing everyone to be involved in defining and implementing public policies. And this, we believe, is key to the 2030 Agenda's aim of


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:52:54]:

leaving no one behind. Nevertheless, to ensure that efforts are set on the same course, national coordination and support is essential. The added value of multilevel governance, therefore, is


Türkiye [2:53:08]:

to allow subsidiary action in a more effective and efficient way without duplication. So while aiming to transform globally, let's continue to act locally. Muchas gracias. I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal for his statement. I now give the floor to the Major Group for Children and Youth, followed by Türkiye and Costa Rica. Thank you, Chair, for the floor. My name is Dr. Ahmed Odeh. I am a young Palestinian refugee. I am honored to speak today on behalf of the Major Group Children and Youth. First, we and I call for immediate global humanitarian ceasefire. Let's lower the voice and the sound of the bullets. SDGs is underfunded while weapons is overfunded. Peace is not just an SDG. Second, we urge the member states to ensure meaningful youth engagement in the voluntary national and local reviews regardless to their nationality or legal status or their background, since local decision is impacting all of us. We especially call for inclusion for the refugees and the displaced youth. Third, we cannot act from global— we cannot act from local to global with a broken financial system. We call for reform of the debit processes and investments from the member states in the youth-led implementation and mentoring efforts. Fourth, UN system must ensure that youth from frontline communities and movements have direct and universal engagement. They should not be channeled by a few foundations or international organizations who does not representing them. Finally, we highlight the critical


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:55:15]:

role of the youth-led peacebuilding and social cohesion initiative. We call the member states not only to include the youth but believe in youth. Excellencies,


Costa Rica [2:55:26]:

we are the leaders. Are you ready to be with us? Thank you. I thank the representative of Major Group for Children and Youth for his statement, and I now give the floor to the single representative for Türkiye, followed by Costa Rica and Ghana. Türkiye. Thank you, Madam President. The 2030 Agenda can only be realized through coordinated action at all levels of government. In Türkiye, we believe a coherent and integrated approach, both across sectors and between levels of government, is essential. Our recent National Development Plan fully integrates the SDGs and provides a solid framework for national and local implementation. Recognizing that sustainable development must be localized, we work closely with local governments to ensure SDG strategies address specific local needs. A key tool in this effort is the voluntary local reviews. As of 2025, 8 municipalities and a regional union in Türkiye have submitted VLRs with more underway. We see VLRs as vital complements to Voluntary National Reviews, enhancing both local accountability and vertical policy coherence. The VLR process promotes inclusive planning, encouraging the participation of citizens and disadvantaged groups to ensure that local strategies leave no one behind. Beyond SDG 11, municipalities contribute meaningfully to SDG 13 in Türkiye and on climate action. Under the new climate law, local authorities are now mandated to prepare local climate change plans to guide mitigation efforts and strengthen resilience in climate-sensitive sectors in our country. In closing, Türkiye is committed to sharing its experiences and learning from others We believe that through strong local action and global cooperation, we can turn the SDGs into reality. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Türkiye for her statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative


Ghana [2:57:45]:

of Costa Rica, followed by Ghana, the last speaker for today. Madam President, in its development journey, Costa Rica has learned that Progress reflected solely in national averages is not sustainable without awareness of local challenges and public policies that lack participation and localization. 3 key strategies developed in close partnership with the United Nations system have enabled us to bring global goals to the local level, making territories and communities privileged spaces for social transformation. First, the leadership of local governments through the network of SDG-promoting cantons has made it possible to align municipal development plans with the SDGs as tools for better addressing inequalities more precisely. These efforts have materialized in the presentation of 2 voluntary local reviews highlighting municipal contributions for 2020 and 2024. Second, the Cantonal Sustainable Development Index has provided critical data and monitoring mechanisms to track progress on the 2030 Agenda at the subnational level. This has been possible thanks to collaboration between UN agencies, programs, and funds, and national institutions dedicated to closing territorial gaps, such as the Municipal Development Institute and the Ministry of National Planning. Finally, the project Accelerating SDG Localization through Digital Transformation funded by the SDG Fund demonstrates how global financing and acceleration mechanisms


ECOSOC · Vice-President · Ambassador Chan [2:59:19]:

for the 2030 Agenda can enhance municipal service delivery with agenda perspective, particularly by incubating digital innovation-based solutions that foster inclusive economic development. Through these efforts, Costa Rica reaffirmed its conviction that sustainable development must be built from the ground up through contextualized and participatory solutions supported by strategic international cooperation. Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to stand before this distinguished Assembly to share the key lessons and recommendations from Kolekloti Municipal Assembly. Centrally located in the capital of Accra,