Ministerial Segment of the High-Level Political Forum 2025 | High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council, 36th meeting
Economic and Social Council
Date: 23 July 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/ecosoc/2025/36?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 [0:00]:

Good morning, everyone.


Speaker 2 [0:01]:

Good morning.


ECOSOC · President [0:04]:

It's my pleasure to welcome you to the 36th meeting of the Economic and Social Council and its 2025 session. Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am inviting the Council to conclude its consideration of Agenda Item 5, Sub-item A, to continue the general debate of its high-level segment which also serves as the general debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. So let me remind you of some rules that we follow just so everyone is aware. The time limit for interventions is 5 minutes for statements made on behalf of groups and 3 minutes for statements that are made by individual delegations. The time limit for statements statements by other speakers is 2 minutes. In order to keep track of time, a countdown clock is visible on the screen in front of you to alert speakers when it is time to conclude your statements.

When—

if you exceed the time limit, the microphone will be automatically deactivated. This measure is being taken to ensure that as many speakers as possible can deliver their statements in the limited time available for the general debate. If you have a fuller statement or a longer statement that you wish to submit, you can do it in writing to the Secretariat. As this is the final meeting of the general debate for this session, any statements not delivered during this meeting should be submitted in writing to estatements@un.org for electronic posting. Thank you in advance for your understanding. I now give— it's my pleasure to now give the floor to His Excellency Peter Szijjártó, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, to be followed by the minister from Tunisia.


Hungary · Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade · Peter Szijjártó [2:14]:

So Hungary is Thank you so much, Mr. President, Excellencies, dear colleagues. I'm representing a Central European country. I'm coming from a part of the world which normally should be one of the happiest parts of the world, but this is not the case because, Mr. President, we have been living in the direct neighbourhood of a war for more than 3 years now. And unfortunately, no solution has been found to this war. To the contrary, this conflict is being unfortunately and regrettably continuously refuelled. This war has taken away— may I say robbed— a lot of growth potential and development opportunities from us, regardless of the fact that our people had worked a lot in the recent years. Neither Hungary nor the Hungarian people bear no responsibility for this war. This is not our war, but we have been paying the price of this war for more than 3 years in the form of skyrocketing energy prices, increasing food prices, And a skyrocketing war inflation as well. But contrary to that, we stick to protect the lowest utility costs of Europe to the Hungarian people. We have sacrificed a lot to curb down inflation. And we are committed to protect the safety and security of the Hungarian people. So we are totally committed to avoid Hungary being dragged into this war. Mr. President, United Nations has been established 80 years ago in order to guarantee global peace or at least ensure a platform for dialogue in order to create peace. And 80 years after, the United Nations do have another important role now: to prevent, to avoid the launch of World War III. There are many security-related challenges and crises all around the world. These are one by one very dangerous, but accumulated, all of them constitute a huge risk of launching World War III. In the last 3 years, Mr. President, Hungary has been advocating for ceasefire, for peace talks, even if we had been faced with unfair accusations and stigmatisation for that. We are very thankful for President Trump for the peace efforts and we do hope they will be successful. We hope that a comprehensive overarching US-Russia agreement is going to be made which will make the world a safer place and this would be the best basis to gain back our growth potential. And if we gain back our growth potential, then national economies can develop, new jobs can be created and better living standards will be given to our people, as we have put it forward in our Sustainable Development Goals back a couple of years ago when the world used to be a better and safer place. But we work to make the world a better and safer place again. Thank you so much, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · President [5:49]:

I thank the Foreign Minister of Hungary for his statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Kauter Chelbi, who's the Minister Plenipotentiary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia. Minister, you have the floor.


Tunisia · Minister Plenipotentiary · Kauter Chelbi [6:10]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

President, Excellencies, Ministers, delegates. Thank you, Mr. President. It's a pleasure to address you as part of this high-level political forum. As we're only 5 years away from 2030, Tunisia firmly believes that the 2030 Agenda is a roadmap for achieving prosperity and international solidarity. Reality must reaffirm these commitments because the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity, conflicts, and regional instability are all factors that have hindered efforts to— in development, particularly in the area of women, young people, and other vulnerable categories. In Tunisia, we remain firmly committed to bring about sustainable development. But this must respect the dignity of the human being. We have established a national development plan that runs till 2030 by increasing the effectiveness of public policy to improve conditions for our citizens. Our aims are to eliminate poverty, to ensure equality, gender equality, as a pillar for a prosperous and just society. We've also adopted important legislative measures to improve working conditions, to put an end to precarious employment, and in order to ensure that Of infrastructure. This is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, and this climate of impunity is of great concern. Tunisia would urge that we respect international law and defend human rights at all levels without being selective and without any discrimination. We call for an immediate end to violations by Israel of international humanitarian law and human rights— the human rights of the Palestinians. President, climate change is a major challenge in Tunisia. Indeed, we are facing increasing climate dangers, particularly desertification and the scarcity of water resources. The speaker was cut off.


ECOSOC · President [10:01]:

I now give the floor to His Excellency Takuma Miyaji. the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who will be speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends for Education and also in his national capacity, which gives him a longer run in terms of his speaking time. Go ahead, Minister. Thank you.


Japan · Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning · State Minister for Foreign Affairs · Takuma Miyaji [10:20]:

Excellencies, distinguished guests, delegates, I deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning, our coalition of UN member states are committed to advancing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. Education is both a human right and a foundation for sustainable development, peace, and human security. Countries that invest in education tend to achieve greater social unity, economic growth, and lasting peace. Education drives innovation and addresses the root causes of poverty, underdevelopment, discrimination, and social exclusion. Investing in education is a strategic, long-term commitment that delivers lasting benefits and builds stable, resilient societies. Yet today, education is in crisis. Only 70% of education-related SDG targets are on track. Some 255 million children remain out of school, while millions more are not reaching even basic learning outcomes. Persistent barriers, including poverty, conflict, gender inequality, discrimination based on disability, migration or refugee status, and the digital divide continue to hinder progress, especially in vulnerable contexts. At the same time, the global annual funding gap for education stands at an estimated $100 billion. Excellencies, we call for bold and collective action in the following 2 areas. First, increase and improve investment in education. Domestic and international resources must be mobilized to ensure education is inclusive and equitable. To close the global funding gap, we must pursue innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms that enhance both the quantity and quality of education funding. The role of private sector becomes more and more important. Second, strengthen international cooperation to reinforce education systems and empower teachers as agents of change. We must invest in high-quality teacher training continuous professional development, and digital literacy. We must also ensure access to adequate teaching materials and technologies to support inclusive learning environments. The Group of Friends for Education and Lifelong Learning stands united in its commitment to transform education systems and fulfill the promise of SDG 4 to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for every learner everywhere. I thank you. Following— thank you. Following the statement of the Education Group, now I would like to deliver Japan's national statement. Honorable Chairperson, distinguished delegates, we face multiple crises and increasing fragmentation. The United Nations must transform to address these changes and to contribute to international peace and security. On this 80th anniversary of the UN, Japan welcomes the progress in reforms initiated by the UN itself. Central to these reforms is a return to our fundamental principles. That is, we work together to maintain international peace and security, protect human life and dignity, and promote economic and social development. Indeed, Japan's support for human security contributes to the SDGs' vision of leaving no one behind. Furthermore, overcoming setbacks to achieve the SDGs requires everyone's contribution for a sustainable future. Honorable Chairperson, Japan's VNR focuses on difficult challenges such as our declining birth rate, and an aging population, regional revitalization, and disaster risk reduction. It also highlights Japan's initiatives and achievements in addressing global issues. Japan hosts the Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, or TICAD 9, will be held in Yokohama in August. Through these opportunities, Japan will learn from and share experiences with all of you in order to promote value co-creation with the international community. Honourable Chairperson, to overcome today's conflicts and division, Japan steadfastly commits to the multilateral system. As a partner in support of a better future and better United Nations, we look forward to working together with you all. Furthermore, under the concept of human security, Japan will continue to actively contribute to international discussions on sustainable development by 2030 Thank you, Minister.


ECOSOC · President [16:45]:

Thank you very much. As colleagues, as we proceed, I want to just warn you that we sometimes operate with a grace period after the 3 minutes. Those days are over, just so you know, because we've— this is our last meeting and we have to get as many people on as we possibly can. I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.


Algeria [17:23]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, Algeria remains fully committed to the 2030 Agenda, guided by national priorities and a strong social contract. The SDGs are fully integrated into our public policies. In education, Algeria guarantees free schooling for all. Women now represent over 60% of university students, an important marker of women's empowerment. We provide dedicated financial support for youth and startups, including in artificial intelligence. We are also advancing digitalization nationwide to enhance transparency, efficiency, and to modernize public administration. Our universal free healthcare system has improved maternal and child health, expanded vaccination coverage, and ensured equitable access across the country. In the water sector, over 80 dams and 11 desalination plants now secure more than 2.5 million cubic meters of water daily. Algeria is firmly committed to climate action, notably through the expansion of its solar energy capacity within a broader renewable energy strategy. Social protection remains central to our development model, with targeted support to vulnerable families, persons with disabilities, and continued subsidies for essential goods. Agriculture, a pillar of our economic diversification, reached $38 billion in output in 2024, reinforcing food security. The 1,200-kilometer East-West Highway has boosted national connectivity. Regionally, Algeria champions Agenda 2063, South-South cooperation, and peace, and looks forward to hosting the Intra-African Trade Fair this September. We reaffirm our commitment to regional integration and peaceful and prosperous Africa. I thank you. Thank you.


ECOSOC · President [19:55]:

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lebanon, to be followed by Côte d'Ivoire.


Lebanon [20:10]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, time is running out. 10 years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the High-Level Political Forum remains essential for reviewing our commitments. As we mark 80 years of multilateralism, we must recognize urgently that transformative change and sui generis solutions are needed more than ever. Despite facing ongoing multidimensional crisis and the latest Israeli aggression, Lebanon reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda, while the national focus is on reconstruction and recovery needs, recognizing that peace and security are fundamental to sustainable development. Mr. President, Lebanon prioritizes the achievement of SDG 3 by strengthening health systems, investing in disease prevention and treatment, and addressing inequalities in access to care. Lebanon has made notable progress in improving equitable access to vaccines and other medical products. Lebanon reaffirms that gender equality is the thread that weaves together human rights and the SDGs, and is on track to achieve SDG 5. At the legislative level, by developing national strategies and implementing reforms. We are committed to preventing and eliminating all forms of discrimination and gender-based violence, including in digital spaces. Lebanon emphasizes on the growing demand for technical and vocational education as a key driver of youth employment, while harnessing skills and innovation. This includes partnership with the private sector and investing in emerging sectors such as the green, digital, and care economies. Healthy, resilient oceans and the conservation of marine ecosystems are vital as well as to food security and a sustainable ocean-based economy. As a Mediterranean country, Lebanon is working and taking action to prevent and reduce all forms of marine pollution and remain steadfast in the commitments to climate action and biodiversity preservation. Mr. President, mobilizing and investing must be the pillars of our collective work to build a better world. Macroeconomic stability is a prerequisite for the SDG 17. The Lebanese government is committed to a broad reform agenda, including reforms of public institutions, and is working on bank restructuring, while focusing on the public-private partnership and SMEs. We call for greater international support for developing countries, especially in scaling up means of implementation. Finally, this year, financing and commitment are our keywords. Let us collectively build a system based on science and evidence that is coherent and impactful. I thank you, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · President [23:16]:

I thank the representative of Lebanon for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Côte d'Ivoire.


Côte d’Ivoire [23:31]:

We're meeting 10 years after we took on the commitment to reach the SDGs by 2030. We welcome the fact that this debate is being held in which we're participating on UNAIDS Catalyzing Change for Sustainable Development. It raises fundamental questions about sustainable development and how we can build the better future that we want. President, our planet is confronting a series of very grave crises. They're interconnected and they're undermining our common desire to build a world of prosperity and peace for all. Indeed, many countries are struggling to recover from the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is confronting an unprecedented succession of rapid and unpredictable change due to geopolitical tension, trade wars, exacerbated socioeconomic inequalities, accelerated climate change, loss of biodiversity, and other problems which are undermining the prospects of sustainable development. Faced with this critical situation and 5 years away from the 2030 deadline, it's crucial to accelerate our action to mobilize resources and build synergies, adopting a systemic approach which incorporates the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of change so as to buck the aforementioned trends. It's also vital to place humankind front and center activities to protect our planet and combat against poverty in all of its forms as effectively as possible. President, I'd like to recall that as it turns 80, the UN has an opportunity to take stock of the progress that's been made, to recognize persistent challenges, and pinpoint opportunities for a more sustainable future. This includes the need to bolster international cooperation, innovate, invest in lasting solutions, and empower all actors, including young people and women, as well as local governments. On this note, multistakeholder partnerships are a key component of our mobilization strategies. Bringing together all stakeholders around the SDGs. This is why Côte d'Ivoire believes that the 4th Financing for Development Conference was an opportunity for international development to make headway on solutions to the problem of debt, as well as to discuss the necessary overhaul of the international financial architecture. FFD4 was a very effective platform for helping achieve the SDGs and build a fairer and more sustainable world. President, in our commitment to the SDGs, Our government has crafted and implemented, starting in 2019, a social program aimed at accelerating implementation of the main projects under our National Development Program 2021-2025. The social impact of these is high. Thus, a lot of activities have been undertaken so as to promote sustainable development of Côte d'Ivoire, including through programs aimed at strengthening the institutional and legal framework and building national capacity for environmental management, as well as improving monitoring and assessment of environmental action. President, to conclude, I'd like to reiterate our commitment to multilateralism and coordinated actions underpinned by trust, harmony, and solidarity. This will allow us to give new impetus and honor our commitments so as to put the SDGs back on track. My country stands ready to work with all bilateral and multilateral partners to this end. I thank you.


ECOSOC · President [26:32]:

I thank the distinguished delegate of Côte d'Ivoire, and I now give the floor To Timo Leschte.


Timor-Leste [26:42]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we are reminded not only of past achievements, but also of the urgent responsibility to shape a more just and sustainable future. The HLPF in 2025 is not merely a checkpoint. It is a turning point. Timor-Leste faces profound challenges as both SIDS and LDCs: climate vulnerability, limited access to finance and technology, and economic fragility. However, we remain committed to the 2030 Agenda. I wish to share our progress on the 5 key Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17, while offering pathways forward for SIDS and LDCs. Under SDG 17, Timor-Leste has strategically mobilized our $18 billion petroleum fund to build infrastructure and invest human capital. We have strengthened global partnerships and benefited from initiatives like the UNDP Support Green Climate Fund, which improved irrigation for over 700 households. Still, the decline in development assistance and unmet climate finance pledges Under SDG 3, we have made real strides in strengthening healthcare, especially maternal and child health. However, universal access, especially in rural areas, remains limited. Addressing antimicrobial resistance and ensuring climate-resilient health systems must be priorities moving forward. On SDG 5, we have increased women's political participation and strengthened legal protections. However, gender-based violence, economic inequality, and cultural barriers persist. We must scale up gender-responsive policies and community-level engagement to achieve true equality. For SDG 8, our economy is beginning to stabilize, bolstered by our upcoming accession to ASEAN and pursuit of WTO membership. However, unlocking full employment and decent work requires investment in infrastructure, infrastructure, skills, and private sector diversification. Finally, on SDG 14, we have prioritized marine conservation and aligned our policies with the Barbados Declaration. However, climate threats like coastal erosion and limited access to ocean technology slow our progress. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we urge strong outcomes from the 4th International Conference On financing and development to accelerate the SDGs, including adopting the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, a critical step toward fair and responsive financing for SIDS and LDCs. We also call for investment in sustainable blue economies, science and technology capacity, and gender-inclusive policies. Implementing the Antigua and Barbuda— Agenda must be our shared priority.


ECOSOC · President [29:43]:

I'm afraid the delegate's time has expired. Thank you so much for your presentation. Be sure, delegates, if you're, if you're going over with your remarks, just, just know that when you send in the full text, it will appear in the record. I now give the floor to the representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.


Bolivia (Plurinational State of) [30:06]:

Por favor.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Allow me firstly to congratulate the presidency and all members of the bureau for the excellent organization of the high-level political forum and the proposed topic for this debate, calling on us to reflect on the progress made and what still remains to be achieved by 2030. President, distinguished colleagues, we are concerned to see that a decade after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, which represented a global intergovernmental agreement to ensure a sustainable future for all, that progress has been insufficient. Today, the world is facing multiple crises: the climate crisis, financial crisis, food, economic, and social crises. These are not only interconnected, but they stem from a development model that is based on the excessive exploitation of nature the concentration of wealth and the exclusion of broad sectors of the population. In this context, Bolivia presents an alternative vision which we call living well, vivir bien, which represents a new way of life that is based on harmony among human beings and with Mother Earth. Because for us, sustainable development cannot be measured solely by economic growth. It must focus on social justice, equity, the rights of indigenous peoples, and the protection of common goods. President, my country recognizes the 2030 Agenda as a central element for the sustainable development of our peoples. Therefore, fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals must continue to be a priority—the priority. In this regard, We must make progress in reforming the international financial system with fair mechanisms for debt relief and equitable access to climate financing. We must respect each country's own development models without imposing external prescriptions or conditioning international cooperation on political submission. We must recognize the rights of Mother Earth. We must strengthen inclusive multilateralism that listens to indigenous peoples, to women, youth, and historically marginalized communities. Mr. President, I conclude by reaffirming Bolivia's commitment to the High-Level Political Forum and its outcomes, as well as to a just, solidarity-based, and sustainable future where no one is left behind. Thank you very much.


ECOSOC · President [32:53]:

I thank the representative of Bolivia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay.


Paraguay [33:04]:

Muchas gracias, señor presidente.

Thank you very much, President. My country is making great progress in development through the implementation of public policies that create synergies to promote not only economic. Growth in quantity terms but also improves the quality of life and the well-being of our citizens. However, we are aware that there continue to be structural challenges, particularly in areas such as social protection, health, and inclusion in the labor market. In that context, we recognize the fundamental role of alliances for achieving development. These alliances have been very relevant for the implementation of high-impact projects such as the Hunger Zero School Food Program, women's programs, and the Decent Worker Program, all of them developed together with the ILO. We would highlight the importance of cooperation being based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, complementarity, and adaptation to the particular needs of each country and context. It's essential that national implementation in that regard and international commitments duly take account of the national priorities and economic situation with regard to development. For example, promoting solid and resilient health systems is very important. Provided it meets the needs of developing countries. There may be various valid approaches to build health systems, but they need to be in line with national characteristics and national systems. Our national constitution states that the right to life is inherent to every human being from the point of conception until natural death, and that the state recognizes the right of people to decide freely and responsibly the number and frequency of births of their children and that they are also able to determine the education for those children. We have special reproductive and maternal and infant health plans also in place for those with few resources. We also accept family planning systems with respect for life. All of these things are necessary to ensure other things such as food security and access to agricultural products through local and international food chains. We're also focusing on equity, building coalitions based on our determination to develop together.


ECOSOC · President [36:06]:

I'm afraid the delegate's time has come up. I thank the delegate very much for his comments. Thank you. I now give the floor to the representative of Tajikistan, to be followed by Guinea.


Tajikistan [36:26]:

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

President. We gather today at a critical With only 5 years remaining, the clock is ticking on our collective promise to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The world is facing a perfect storm of overlapping crises— climate change, food insecurity, geopolitical tensions— and yet, the SDGs remain our shared compass. Tajikistan remains fully committed to the implementation of the SDGs. Despite persistent challenges, we continue to make progress through national ownership, long-term planning, and inclusive reforms. Our National Development Strategy until 2030 aligns directly with SDGs. Through integrated midterm plans and sectoral programs coordinated by the National Development Council under the President of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, We are ensuring coherence, accountability, and results across all sectors. We know that leaving no one behind begins with empowering those furthest behind. Gender equality is our national priority. Recent reforms have expanded women's participation, strengthened legal protections, and mainstreamed gender across policy and planning. The adoption of a revised law on domestic violence underscores our commitment. Tajikistan also continues to invest in health and human capital. We are implementing system-wide reforms to ensure universal access to quality care, with a focus on rights-based policies, early childhood development, and stronger health resilience. On the economic front, we have maintained growth and stability, expanded decent work opportunities, and launched innovative financial tools, including thematic and green bonds. Mr. President, Tajikistan is a global advocate for climate and water. From May 29th to 31st, 2025, we hosted the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers Preservation, uniting science and policy to confront the rapid loss of glaciers. In June, together with France, we launched the International Decade for Action for Cryospheric Sciences, reaffirming our leadership in safeguarding freshwater resources and climate resilience. As we approach 2030, the world needs bold, science-driven, and equitable solutions. Tajikistan stands firmly in support of multilateralism, solidarity, and shared prosperity. Let us act decisively to protect our planet, empower our people, and deliver on the promise of the SDGs. I thank you.


ECOSOC · President [39:18]:

My colleague from Tajikistan. And I now give the floor to Guinea.


Guinea [39:30]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, President. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegate. At the outset, I'd like to extend to you, President, our heartfelt congratulations on the way you've been steering our proceedings. We join the statement delivered by the G77 and China, as well as on behalf of the LDCs. President, the SG's latest report is unequivocal. Many SDGs are on track. However, on half, we're making slow progress, and 18 are far behind. This is concerning, of course, but it should not undermine our commitment, because behind the numbers, there are stories of remarkable success. Which prove that investment in sustainable development does bear fruit. We're also experiencing a mixed picture in Guinea. We're seeing structural vulnerabilities which remain despite our mining, agricultural, energy, and other potential. We've cut maternal mortality and improved the number of medical staff. On gender equality, There has been legislative headway through the adoption of a law on parity and the establishment of women's empowerment centers. This noteworthy progress demonstrates that if we act methodically using evidence-based data, we can transform lives. President, the Republic of Guinea has boldly bet on the structural transformation of its economy, and this Through the Simandou 2040 program. This program seeks to achieve the responsible and sustainable exploitation of our resources, ensuring that we're in line with the vision of development whereby no one is left behind. The Simandou 2040 mining project is a genuine catalyst for development. It will ensure the modernization of our infrastructure, building 650 kilometers of railroads and a deep-sea port. We will be diversifying and strengthening the resilience of our economy, as well as improving the living conditions of our people. The law on local content requirements will guarantee that this wealth will directly benefit local communities. In parallel, we are developing our exceptional hydroelectric potential so as to become a regional energy hub, all the while ensuring we preserve our 300 kilometers of coastline and the concomitant marine ecosystems. A national strategy for a blue economy adopted in November 2024 attests to our commitment for sustainable management of our marine resources. President, financing is a serious issue. We have a $4 trillion deficit, which is a serious obstacle. The severe compromise adopted at the FFD4 conference shows us the way forward. We must collectively step up our efforts to Implement—


ECOSOC · President [42:29]:

unfortunately, the speaker's microphone has been cut off. I really do apologize, but you did run out of time, sir. So we will be moving on to the next delegation now. Thank you very much for that statement.

The floor is to the delegate from Romania.


Romania [42:52]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to make some additional remarks in national capacity. 5 years away from 2030, we are reminded that the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals remains within reach, but only if we act with renewed determination, coherence, and solidarity. This is the main take of the SDG Report 2025, and Romania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda. This year's HLPF theme resonates with Romania's vision for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient societies. In a time marked by overlapping crises, from climate shocks to economic volatility, we believe that our response must be rooted in robust science, inclusive planning, and innovative practices. It is within this— it is with this conviction that Romania has continued to strengthen its data-driven policy mechanisms and undertake ambitious institutional reforms. Central to our efforts is the National Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Romania 2030, which provides the framework for action. We have established strong governance mechanisms that foster both whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. These include an interministerial committee chaired by the Prime Minister, a consultative council bringing together academia, a nationwide network of sustainable development hubs embedded in ministries and public institutions to bridge national and local implementation, and the Coalition for Permanent Dialogue with Civil Society and Private Sector. And let me tell you, Mr. President, that youth is becoming more and more our partner in promoting all 17 SDGs. To ensure that our decisions remain grounded in evidence, Romania has developed a robust national SDG indicator framework and a multidisciplinary data platform that allows us to monitor progress and anticipate emerging challenges. In parallel, we are developing a virtual one-stop shop for localizing the SDGs, empowering local authorities, businesses, and civil society alike to embed the goals into community-level planning and action. We know that the success of the 2030 Agenda depends on each individual. Human capital, therefore, remains at the center of our sustainable development policies. Romania is the first EU country to institutionalize the profession of sustainable development expert, recognized by the United Nations as a best practice in public administrations. And we are on track to train 2,000 such professionals by the end of the year. Our investments in institutional innovation include the Center of Excellence for Public Administration in Sustainable Development, which will serve as a national hub with local branches for research, training, and policy innovation. On the European stage, Romania currently holds the presidency of the European Sustainable Development Network, bringing together expertise and best practices from across the continent to accelerate implementation of the SDGs. And with that, I thank you very much, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · President [45:45]:

I thank you. It felt as if you were doing all that without taking a breath, but you did very well to get under 3 minutes. Thank you for doing that. And I'll give the floor to the Federated States of Micronesia.


Micronesia (Federated States of) [46:04]:

Mr. President, Micronesia is pleased to participate in this debate at this moment of reflection. And renewal in our journey towards the 2030 Agenda. We have strived over the last decade to translate global commitments into meaningful local impact. Our PNR presented last week reflects resilience ambition and the lessons learned through adversity. Climate change is a cross-cutting threat and not simply an environmental issue. It is an existential challenge that reverberates across all dimensions of development. Addressing climate resilience must be integrated into every strategy to ensure sustainable development is truly sustainable. Financing climate resilience remains insufficient and slow-moving. On SDG 3, we have expanded primary healthcare services, across our islands, improve immunization coverage, and introduce mobile clinics to serve remote communities. Maternal and child health indicators have shown gradual improvement. However, shortages in medical personnel, equipment, and specialized care continue to limit equitable access. On SDG 5, Micronesia has advanced policy reforms, supporting women's leadership and enacted measures to prevent gender-based violence. Community-led initiatives are expanding awareness and participation. Resources for gender-specific programming are, however, inadequate. On SDG 8, while employment remains a concern, especially among youth, targeted training and small business support programs have begun to catalyze Inclusive growth with the blue economy, a promising pathway for sustainable development. SDG 14: Micronesia is a big ocean state, and our ocean defines who we are. We have expanded marine protected areas and adopted sustainable fisheries regulations. We call for urgent global action to preserve marine biodiversity. SDG 17: Bilateral and multilateral cooperation has supported vital development in health, energy, and digital infrastructure. Tailored long-term partnerships built on mutual respect and shared priorities have helped amplify local solutions. Strengthening these partnerships remains key to achieving the SDGs in island contexts. In these final years leading to 2030, Micronesia calls for urgent support through tailored financing, technology transfer, and inclusive partnership.


ECOSOC · President [48:59]:

The progress made— I regret that time has expired, but by all means send in the full speech. I now give the floor to the representative of the Solomon Islands, to be followed by Bhutan.


Solomon Islands [49:21]:

Mr. President, Solomon Islands reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Building on our 2nd VNR presented at last year's HLPF, I would like to highlight the following with respect to the current SDGs under review. On SDG 3, Solomon Islands has made significant strides in strengthening and improving our health system. Access to medical services, including a higher coverage on immunization. Primary healthcare coverage has improved to 85%, and maternal mortality was reduced by 30%, respectively. This is attributed to the Health Sector Plan and its strategic priorities that support the achievement of universal health coverage for Solomon Islands. Non-communicable diseases, on the other hand, remain a challenge. As it continued to rise and now accounting for nearly 70% of all deaths in the country. For SDG 5, the government remains committed to advancing gender equality through its various strategic policies and legislative initiatives. Women's participation in leadership and decision-making, including political participation, showed progress over the years. Gender-based violence, though, remains a challenge in the country, but the existing SafeNet National Referral Network provides a critical collective support initiative for victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. On SDG 8, Solomon Islands' National Sustainable Development Strategy presents the overarching framework aimed at improving the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders. The government is committed to improving critical enabling infrastructure in the productive sector, has taken tax reforms and enacted enabling legislations to promote economic growth and facilitate employment opportunities. Mr. President, Solomon Islands successfully hosted the Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4 in February this year. It brought together Pacific leaders, global partners, experts, and stakeholders to advance commitments on sustainable fisheries. The technical communiqué and the political declaration of the summit outline concrete actions to address overfishing and restore fish stocks to sustainable development. Mr. President, the 80th Institute presents an important opportunity to reform and to ensure efficiency and a fit-for-purpose United Nations. It must remain anchored in the 3 pillars of the United Nations Charter and also not to lose sight of the special circumstances of siege and illnesses like my own. Mr. President, together with shared commitments and meaningful partnerships, we can navigate the unprecedented challenges and advance implementation of SDGs and to leave no one behind.


ECOSOC · President [52:06]:

I thank you. I thank the representative for the Solomon Islands, and I now give the floor to Bhutan.


Bhutan [52:17]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we confront the stark reality that progress towards the SDGs is far off track. The gap between ambition and action continues to widen, especially for the most vulnerable. For Bhutan, the principle of leaving no one behind is not just a global ambition, it is a national ethos. Guided by our development philosophy of Gross National Happiness, we seek to balance economic growth with social, spiritual, and ecological well-being. Our graduation from the LDC category in 2023 marked a new chapter in our journey, one focused on building resilience, advancing inclusion, and sustaining developmental gains. This year, we presented our 3rd VNR, highlighting achievements in poverty reduction, universal access to clean water and sanitation, and improvements in health, education, and digital access. We are deeply grateful to our development partners for their continued goodwill and support, which has been vital in advancing Bhutan's development journey. Through our 13th Five-Year Plan and 21st Century Economic Roadmap, we are investing in digital governance, climate resilience, and youth empowerment. Bhutan continues to maintain 69% forest cover, remains carbon negative and is operationalizing carbon markets and a national climate fund to align environmental goals with economic transformation. But we cannot do it alone. As a landlocked developing country, our progress hinges on stronger multilateralism, regional connectivity, and fair access to finance. We call for urgent reforms to the international financial architecture to ensure equitable debt relief and scaled-up climate finance. Mr. President, the legacy of the 80th anniversary of the UN must be one of renewed purpose and meaningful impact, where we uphold the dignity of all people, protect our planet, and deliver fully on the promise of the SDGs. Thank you.


ECOSOC · President [54:42]:

I thank the representative of Bhutan.

I now give the floor to the delegate of Burkina Faso.


Burkina Faso [54:58]:

President, ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegation, distinguished delegates, Burkina Faso endorses the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China, the African group the least developed countries and landlocked developing countries. Mr. President, the topic of this forum resonates with Burkina Faso's priorities: national sovereignty, national resource mobilization, and citizen involvement in development processes. Under the leadership of the President of Faso, our country has established a Patriotic Support Fund which has raised over $466 million in 2 years. Directed towards health, the local economy, human security, and social cohesion. Despite a challenging security context, progress has been made in several areas. In the area of health, vaccination coverage has reached 89%, and free healthcare for pregnant women and children is being strengthened, including in remote areas thanks to mobile clinics. With regard to social services, listening centers have been established for survivors of violence, along with women's economic empowerment programs. On the economy, the state supports local entrepreneurship, youth training, and the promotion of local sectors. In 2022, despite the challenges, economic growth stood at 2.5%. Water resources. Although we are landlocked, Burkina Faso is taking strong action to preserve its inland water bodies, fight pollution, and ensure food security. And finally, a national monitoring and planning framework aligns our public policies with the 2030 Agenda. We are currently preparing our 3rd voluntary national review. Mr. President, these achievements are real, but challenges do still remain. And Burkina Faso would call for a deep reform of the international financial architecture to ensure fair access to resources and ensure successive development policies. We would also call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures which are contrary to international law and also for a new global compact based on transparency, solidarity, and respect for national priorities. Thank you.


ECOSOC · President [57:27]:

I thank the delegate of Burkina Faso. I now give the floor to the representative of Mozambique.


Mozambique [57:40]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, at this critical midpoint to 2030, The global community faces a sobering reality. Despite some important advancements, challenges remain in economic shocks, economic shocks and increasing fragility. Escalating conflicts, including geopolitical tensions, hinder sustainable development. Climate change exacerbates poverty and vulnerability, trapping millions in cycles of disaster and deprivation. Affordability, digital connectivity, education and skills, decent jobs, and robust social protection. Mr. President, Mozambique— within this context, Mozambique continues to rank as one of Africa's most climate-vulnerable nations, experiencing recurrent cyclones, droughts, floods, and security issues due to terrorism activities in Cabo Delgado Province. Resulting in significant annual economic losses and have severely impacted the well-being and livelihood of our people. Despite these challenges, the government of Mozambique has enacted timely economic acceleration measures, strengthened transparency, governance, and the business environment while expediting key infrastructure projects. These collective efforts enabled Mozambique to achieve a 5% GDP growth in 2023, despite a temporary recession in early 2025 due to post-election disruption. Mr. President, accelerating the implementation of the SDGs demands innovative and ambitious financing mechanisms such as carbon markets, climate debt swaps, domestic resources, mobilization and public-private partnerships are crucial to bridging the SDGs investment gaps. And finally, developed countries must honor their international commitments, especially in official development assistance and climate finance, guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibility.


ECOSOC · President [1:00:18]:

I thank you.

Thank the representative from Mozambique, and I can now give the floor to the representative of Costa Rica.


Costa Rica [1:00:36]:

Mr. President, Costa Rica is grateful for this opportunity to reaffirm that science is a cornerstone of development, and its benefits will only be transformative if they are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Allow me to highlight 3 key messages. First, the full and effective participation of women and girls in science and technology is indispensable in order to achieve more equitable societies and more resilient economies. Costa Rica has a national policy for equality between women and men in science, technology, telecommunications, and innovation. A second action plan was recently published, deepening efforts to reduce gaps in training, employment, and access to strategic opportunities. Promoting women's participation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, green innovation, and biotechnology is a concrete sustainable development strategy. Secondly, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, open data, and space applications offer enormous opportunities to transform our societies and accelerate sustainable development. In Costa Rica, we are building the necessary institutional capacities to harness these tools in priority areas such as health, education, environmental management, and sustainable agriculture. At the multilateral level, Costa Rica is co-facilitating together with Spain negotiations for the establishment of an independent international scientific panel on artificial intelligence and a global dialogue on its governance. Thirdly, as co-host of the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference, UNOC3, Costa Rica has— believes that there cannot be a sustainable blue economy if women do not play a key role. They play an essential role in fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine conservation, yet they still face significant barriers to access research, innovation, and decision-making. Costa Rica promotes inclusive ocean policy, respect for local knowledge, guaranteeing that women lead both in the field as well as in the definition of public policy. This vision governs our participation in UNOC III, particularly with regard to the sustainable use and conservation of the oceans. President, in conclusion, science must be the great equalizer of our time. Our future depends on our ability to democratize scientific knowledge and turn it into the driving force of sustainable and inclusive development. Thank you.


ECOSOC · President [1:03:33]:

Muchas gracias. Thank you so much. Colleagues, we now turn to our final phase of this discussion where we will hear from a range, in fact over 25 organizations that are affiliated with ECOSOC and with the United Nations. That's the good news. The bad news is they only have 2 minutes each. I know this will come as a difficulty. They'll say, how can we get it all into 2 minutes? You will have to do so. And if you have any additional remarks you would like to share with us, then that can become part of the official record. So we start with the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol. Nobody leave the room. Thank you.


INTERPOL [1:04:27]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. Sustainable development is no easy task. We need strong institutions, resilient societies, and importantly, a commitment to security and the rule of law. As the world's only global police organization, Interpol is proud to be a key partner of the United Nations advancing sustainable development for all. Indeed, Interpol's 7 global policing goals were designed with SDGs in mind. Today, they have achieved concrete results. By protecting female victims of human trafficking, Interpol has helped empower women under SDG 5. By tackling corruption and financial crime, Interpol has driven economic growth under SDG 8. However, the path ahead will not be easy. The world faces new and emerging threats, from cybercrime to artificial intelligence. As the Pact for the Future declared, these problems are deeply interconnected and far exceed exceed the capacity of any single state alone. Accordingly, Interpol promotes global police cooperation between our member states even where diplomatic relations do not exist. Through capacity building and technology transfer initiatives, we empower our members to respond to the challenges of tomorrow. Excellencies, as we mark 8 years of the partnership with the United Nations, let us continue to build a safer future for all. I thank you.


ECOSOC · President [1:06:18]:

I thank the representative from Interpol who has given a concise, effective statement, and I would commend it as a model for the future statements. Uh, now hear from the International Development Law Organization.


IDLO · Ms. Beasley [1:06:34]:

Thank you. Mr. President, distinguished delegates, it's a pleasure to join this discussion. At the annual SDG 16 Conference, organized here by IDLO, Italy, and DESA in May, we heard many powerful examples of how investing in the rule of law and justice can catalyze transformative change and advance the entire 2030 Agenda. Allow me to share 3. First, the rule of law is critical to rebuilding trust, people-centered justice systems empower people and communities to claim their rights and give them confidence that institutions are working in the interest of all rather than a privileged few. Strengthening governance, promoting transparency, addressing corruption, and ensuring participatory decision-making can attract investment, generate economic opportunity, and lift people out of poverty. Secondly, the rule of law drives progress across the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Effective laws and accessible institutions are needed to implement all the SDGs, from promoting economic growth to closing the justice gap for women and girls and reducing health inequalities. Third and finally, the rule of law is essential to reinvigorate multilateralism and address complex transnational challenges. It offers a framework for joint action based on shared principles of justice, sovereign equality, and respect for human rights. It can help build fair and efficient mechanisms that incentivize global action while balancing the needs of the present with the interests of the future, and turn policy agreements like the Pact of the Future and the Compromiso de Sevilla into tangible improvements in people's lives. IDLO is committed to continue to collaborate with all of you to fulfill the promise that inspired the founding of the United Nations. There is no better investment than we can make in our collective future, and it is the best way for us to stand in solidarity with future generations. Thank you, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · President [1:08:33]:

Thank you so much. Congratulations, Ms. Beasley, for her statement. I now give the floor to the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa.


WSA [1:09:10]:

These figures reflect an urgent need for collective and strategic action. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is essential not only for preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria, but also for reducing malnutrition and ensuring dignity, safety, and well-being, especially for women, girls, and children. Mr. President, in the context of SDGs under review at this forum, Africa's water and sanitation landscape intersects directly with SDG 3, that is good health and well-being, SDG 5, that is gender equality, SDG 8, decent work and economic growth, SDG 14, life below water, and SDG 17, partnerships for the goals. The interconnectedness of these SDGs illustrates the need for holistic integrated, and inclusive approach to tackling water and sanitation challenges, one that acknowledges the profound ripple effects on health, gender equality, economic resilience, environmental preservation, and global solidarity. In conclusion, Mr. President and Excellencies, our observer mission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda and strongly advocates for a strong science-based global Act for sustainable development, anchored in water and sanitation as foundational pillars. We believe that water and sanitation are not merely sectoral issues, but catalytic enablers for a diversity of opportunities that advance sustainable development, inclusive and evidence-based solutions across Africa.


ECOSOC · President [1:10:46]:

Thank you, Representative. And we now turn to the International Union—


IUCN [1:10:51]:

the International Union for the Conservation It is the foundation for sustainable development. Healthy ecosystems underpin food and water security, climate resilience, and human well-being. IUCN serves as the co-custodian of 5 indicators under SDG 15 and 14. The latest data show that extinction risk is increasing across all species groups assessed on the IUCN Red List. The crucial response of establishing and managing protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures has plateaued. This HLPF must send a strong political message on the need for urgent action to protect life on Earth, including by scaling up nature-based solutions through science and rights-based approaches. We also need to be clear Neither fundamental human rights nor scientific facts are up for negotiation. The global conservation community will gather at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October to tackle the key environmental issues to protect our planet for future generations. The Congress is also multilateralism in action, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders in a form of joint decision-making to power transformative conservation. We warmly invite you all to join us in Abu Dhabi to unite for nature at a time when our global landscape is increasingly fractured. Thank you.


ECOSOC · President [1:12:28]:

I thank the representative. I now give the floor to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.


PAM [1:12:40]:

Excellencies, dear colleagues, distinguished guests, it is an honour to address this forum on behalf of the Parliament of the Mediterranean and to bring the voice of 35 parliamentarians from the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions. Today, only 35 of the SDGs are currently showing progress. We recently met in Seville to address the urgent $4 trillion gap in SDGs financing, and in Nice, where we reaffirmed our commitment to protecting oceans. In this end, parliamentarians play a fundamental role in translating global commitments into national laws. However, we need stronger partnerships. That is why PAM has launched its annual Marrakesh Economic Parliamentary Forum. To reinforce the crucial private-public partnership. In 2024, PAM published together with UNEP the Parliamentarians' Guide to Protect the Mediterranean Sea and help lawmakers integrating SDGs in the existing efforts. Furthermore, PAM has placed a strong focus on gender equality through our dedicated Women Parliamentary Forum, we ensured that the voice, rights, and the leadership of women is fully integrated in our regional action. Looking ahead, despite the many treats of SDGs, we are continuing strengthening partnerships to push forward the 2030 Agenda. In this spirit, PEM is proud to collaborate with the FEO in organizing the 2026 Global Parliamentary Summit Against Hunger and Malnutrition. Thank you for your attention.


ECOSOC · President [1:14:34]:

Thank you very much for your presentation. I now give the floor to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.


IFRC [1:15:16]:

Response operations. As another Ebola outbreak was declared earlier this year, the Ugandan Red Cross was able to immediately activate their epidemic response network, and as more and more international humanitarian actors were prevented from accessing Gaza, it was largely the Palestine Red Crescent Society that was on the ground going tent by tent to inoculate babies against polio. There's been success in the area of disaster risk reduction with the inclusion of some 25 targets across the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs 5, 8, and 11. Expanded connectivity and infrastructure have opened new pathways to education, especially for girls, to employment, and to life-saving early warning systems. These advances are driving stronger, more locally-led disaster risk reduction strategies. IFRC, as a secretariat for 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, supports these efforts to build and strengthen local capacity for disaster risk management and humanitarian response. Yet, in 10 years, the risk landscape has changed for the worse. Disasters triggered by extreme climate and weather events, as well as disease outbreaks and conflict, have become more frequent and more deadly and more complex. Multilateralism is also being weakened, blocking action in critical times. More people are hungry and more people are displaced than when the world leaders committed to the SDGs, and while we work to make healthcare accessible through a community-centered approach, we are seeing time and time again attacks against medical missions, humanitarian workers, including local staff and volunteers. Access to health and continuum of care is directly linked to member states' ability and commitment to halt attacks and to ensure that patients, healthcare personnel, and essential infrastructure are protected and respected by all. As we look to the future, we must ask—


ECOSOC · President [1:16:54]:

I'm afraid your time has expired, but thank you very much, and please submit the full written document to us. Thank you. I now give the floor to the Association of Caribbean states.


ACS [1:17:11]:

Excellencies, honorable delegations, Excellencies, I welcome you on behalf of the ACE, a regional mechanism that brings together the 35 countries that make up the Greater Caribbean. 10 years ago, when we adopted the 2030 Agenda, we thought of a different world. A paradigm was being broken for the first time. Development would lead to economic growth and it would improve well-being for the planet and for individuals. Today we're facing a paradox. It was never as clear as it is now, the need to act and the fragile nature of the multilateral system. In the Greater Caribbean, we know that no future is possible unless we take these things into account— increase in sea levels, coastal tourism living together with poverty and our increasing vulnerability means that we need solidarity. In our organization, we reaffirm our commitment to, first of all, the aspiration for a world where human rights and dignity are a reality for everyone. Secondly, the urgency of bringing about social environmental justice, understanding that there can be no sustainable development if inequality persists and if the planet is at risk. And third, equality and non-discrimination, recognizing that diversity is an intrinsic part of what makes us human beings. Excellency, promoting sustainable solutions to leave no one behind requires global decisions being based on the reality of each region, local knowledge, and the support of those who've been building solutions for decades. Dignity cannot be postponed. We need resources, coherence, and a deeper sense of shared responsibility in the Greater Caribbean. We say very strongly that we are here with the power to contribute. We are prepared to.


ECOSOC · President [1:19:10]:

I thank the delegate very much for her presentation. Thank you so much. Much discussion. The International Association of Economic and Social Councils and similar institutions. The President of the Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions now has the floor.


AICESIS · President [1:19:23]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is a singular honor to deliver this address on behalf of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions, AECES, under the current chairmanship of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. As a permanent observer within the United Nations system, ICESIS unites constitutionally anchored advisory bodies across the globe, uniquely positioned to bridge government, civil society, and the private sector in the service of evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable development. This year, ICESIS conducted a focused review of 5 priority SDGs: health, gender equality, decent work, marine ecosystems, and international partnerships. While commendable efforts have been made, persistent disparities endure. We therefore respectfully call for a renewed multilateral commitment to universal and inclusive healthcare, the full employment of women and girls, dignified employment for all, especially youth, the safeguarding of our oceans, and strengthening of global solidarity through meaningful and equitable partnerships. Mr. President, distinguished guests, Economic and Social Councils remain vital pillars of multilateral governance, uniquely equipped to build trust, bridge divides, and inform public policy through independent inclusive and evidence-based council. In this spirit, ACC reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing integrated, equitable, and locally anchored strategies.


ECOSOC · President [1:21:29]:

I thank the delegate for his representations and afraid his time has expired. Thank you very much. I now give the floor to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.


OECD [1:21:44]:

Mr. President, distinguished guests, when the crises are deepening and threatening progress, multilateral solutions and collective actions are key to advancing the achievements of the SDGs. The OECD is committed to supporting countries in doing so, providing rigorous data and evidence-based policy solutions. The OECD contributes to substantive work across all 5 of the SDGs under review this year, with analysis on topics from gender gaps in the labour market to ocean resources and health trends. Initiatives such as our programme on a territorial approach to the SDGs and our work on governance cohesion speak to our cross-cutting view, which aims to ensure that development across all levels of government is mutually reinforcing. Particularly on SDG 17, the OECD will continue to foster partnerships. Across our multidisciplinary expertise, from tax to investment, trade and development cooperation, we are contributing data, analysis and standards to help identify and realize new sources of revenues for countries globally. International development finance is at the brink of a new paradigm, and it will take new partnerships and new thinking to reach the SDGs. Official development assistance will remain an important piece of the puzzle in this new era of change, but there is also a need to do more to leverage these resources and unlock the catalytic capacity of ODA by tackling the data, regulatory, and other barriers to mobilization of private sector finance. Mr. President, beyond our membership, the OECD will work with partner countries, international organizations, and civil society. on our shared promise to improve the lives of people around the world. Thank you so much.


ECOSOC · President [1:23:55]:

I thank the delegate from the OECD. I now give the floor to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, better known as IDEA.


IDEA [1:24:06]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, 10 years ago, the 2030 Agenda recognized that a just and inclusive world demands women's equal voice in political and economic decision-making. While slow and uneven, progress has indeed been made. Global gender equality scores have risen by 2% since 2015, based on International IDEA's Global State of Democracy Indices. Within this overall trend lie important differences. Only 3% of democracies perform very poorly on gender equality measures, compared to 50% of authoritarian regimes. This shows clearly that democratic systems are better equipped to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all. However, despite these gains, the evidence underlines the scale of the challenges ahead. Women still hold only 27% parliamentary seats worldwide and 35% of local government positions. A new report by International IDEA also shows that women's freedom, freedom of discussion has decreased by 25%, and women's access to justice has dropped by over 12% globally. Rising authoritarianism, Online and offline gender-based violence, shrinking civic space, increased censorship, and institutional biases and impunity are the driving forces behind these declines. Despite these negative trends, International IDEA's report shows that several factors have contributed to the increase in gender equality scores in some countries, including the implementation of gender quotas in politics, the introduction of constitutional and legal reforms, and the adoption of new gender equality laws. Excellencies, the interdependence of gender equality and democratic governance is clear. Where democratic governance erodes, women's rights are often among the first casualties. Yet, let us be clear: the emancipation of women will not stop. Neither will the quest for more diverse, equitable, and inclusive societies. International IDEA will continue to do its part to leave no one behind and empower women and girls all over the world. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:26:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of African Union Commission.


AUC [1:26:28]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a profound honor to address this esteemed forum at a moment that demands more than reflection but calls for our collective resolve. I bring to you warm greetings from Addis Ababa, from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and on my own behalf. Our HLPF theme for this year is a timely call for action. It underscores the critical need to foster economic inclusion, strengthen social safety nets, and create decent employment opportunities, especially for Africa's rapidly growing youth population. The African Union's Agenda 2063 outlines Africa's vision blueprint— visionary blueprint for long-term transformation, aiming at building a continent that is competitive, integrated, and peaceful, driven by its own citizens. Its second 10-year implementation plan, Our Decade of Action, captures a heightened sense of urgency and ambition. Since the signing of the MOU between the African Union and the United Nations in 2018, we have deepened our commitment to the joint implementation of Africa's Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda. This agreement embodies the recognition that the 2 frameworks are mutually reinforcing, providing a comprehensive and coherent blueprint to achieve an integrated, prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable Africa within a global context, while ensuring that Africa's development trajectory is inclusive, resilient, and transformative. These 2 frameworks align key priorities such as poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth, social inclusion, gender equality, climate action, and peace and security. They empower African nations to harness their demographic dividend, natural resources, and innovative capacities for the benefit of all people.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:28:34]:

I thank the distinguished representative of African Union Commission. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of International Organization for Migration, IOM. You have the floor now.


IOM [1:28:49]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, as we confront an increasingly complex world marked by crises and transformation, we must reaffirm a fundamental truth: migration is not the problem. When well managed, it is part of the various— of the solution to the various global challenges including economic development. Migrants contribute to economic growth, innovation, and cultural richness in communities of origin and destination alike. In 2024 alone, remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached USD 685 billion, surpassing FDI and ODA combined. The outcome of the FFD4 Conference, recently adopted in Seville, articulates the positive contributions of migrants to sustainable development. Yet, the benefits of migration are far from guaranteed. More and more people are forced to move or internally displaced, driven by economic constraints, conflicts, and climate shocks. Migrants, especially women and youth, lack access to healthcare, decent work, social protection, and face discrimination, as highlighted in the newly launched SDG report. The rise of mis- and disinformation on migrants means that migration as a global strategic asset for development is profoundly at risk. Looking ahead to the 2026 International Migration Review Forum, and in the spirit of the UNHCR initiative, IOM, as the leading UN entity on migration and network coordinator, remains steadfast in our partnership with all Member States and key stakeholders. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:30:38]:

I thank the distinguished representative of IOM. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of International Olympic Committee.


IOC [1:30:57]:

Thank you.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, over the past 3 decades, UN Member States have consistently recognized the value of sport in advancing sustainable development. Yet challenges persist. Data shows a 5% rise in physical inactivity since 2010, with costs to global health systems, reaching $27 billion annually. The IOC is working closely with the World Health Organization and other partners to mobilize initiatives on physical activity and sport for health, from local development programs to our Let's Move campaign, which has already reached over 500 million people. Sport also plays a transformative role in advancing gender equality. From grassroots opportunities to Olympic leadership, we have embedded inclusion across all levels of our work and investment to protect women and girls in and through sports. The culmination of these efforts was the first gender-equal Olympic Games on the field of play at Paris 2024. Sports contribute to socioeconomic resilience. Every dollar invested in sport generates at least $3 in social returns. Crucially, the sports economy is projected to grow at nearly 6% annually, much faster than the global growth rate of almost 3% over the same period. The IOC is working actively to build bridges between the sports sector and key development areas to advance the Agenda 2030. To address the challenges identified in this forum, the IOC, along with the Olympic Movement, will continue to support member states in realizing sports' potential as a valuable low-cost, high-impact tool to strengthen sustainable


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:33:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of IOC.

Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Nations Environment Programme. UNEP, you have the floor now.


UNEP [1:33:21]:

Thank you, Mr. President. UNEP supports member states in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda so that it moves faster than the planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. We need urgent and concerted action to address these crises because they are interconnected with the SDGs. The promotion of integrated approaches and multi-sectoral coordination, such as the Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health, enhances intersectoral efforts to address health threats and the human-animal-environmental interface. Implementation of multilateral agreements such as the BB&J Agreement, ocean-based climate actions in the NDCs, and the 30-30 target in the Global Biodiversity Framework can enhance and accelerate progress towards achieving several SDGs, as would an agreement on— as would an agreement to prevent plastic pollution. Mr. President, implementing circular economy principles and regenerating nature are win-wins, enabling growth with less resource use and less environmental impact. UNEP works through deploying digital technologies to provide forward-looking and relevant science-promoting science-based solutions, boosting the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements that make change possible, and supporting member states on actions towards climate stability, living in harmony with nature and to forge a pollution-free future. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:35:03]:

I thank the distinguished representative of UNEP. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Nations Human Settlement Programme.


UN-Habitat [1:35:15]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, honorable guests, distinguished delegates, UN80 is our moment to reflect and to reaffirm a UN system fit for a rapidly urbanizing world. A system that delivers where it matters most: on the ground, in places, in people's lives. At UN-Habitat, we are proud to lead from the ground up. Through the Local 2030 Coalition, we are convening 14 UN agencies, with local governments and communities to accelerate SDG delivery at street level. Our SDG Cities Programme is helping municipalities align budgets, data, and planning with the 2030 Agenda. Localization is not a slogan; it is our delivery engine. We place housing at the center of transformation. It is more than shelter; it is health, education, dignity and resilience. From the slums of Bangladesh to the settlements of Colombia, we are working with UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF or UNECE on housing rights and systems. In the MENA region, we collaborate with FAO, IOM and OHCHR on restitution. In Brazil, we work with UNDP and UNODC on housing and human security. With ITU, we are bridging the digital divide in informal settlements. The way forward is clear: SDG action must be grounded locally. And that means local governments must be fully at the table, not just as implementers, but as co-creators and co-investors in solutions. UN-Habitat stands ready, with evidence, joint partnerships and local presence, to help deliver our shared promise. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:37:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of UN-Habitat. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Nations Children's Fund.


UNICEF [1:37:25]:

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, less than 1 in 5 of the SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030. One-third of SDG indicators have stalled or are regressing for children. With just 5 years to go, the global promise of the 2030 Agenda is slipping fast from our grasp, particularly for over 2 billion children currently living on our planet today. 3 messages. First, children are paying the price for our inaction. 1 billion are living in multidimensional poverty. Every child on this planet is suffering from the impact of climate change. Complex and violent conflicts are escalating around the world, affecting more than 1 in 6 children. Every 4 minutes, somewhere in the world, a child is killed by an act of violence. However, children are not the authors of these challenges. They are key to the solutions, but all of this depends on the choices we make now. Second, as we rally behind the FFD outcome, let us be clear: every dollar we invest in a child today in their health, nutrition, learning, and protection can be returned up to tenfold in stronger economies, peaceful societies, and resilient communities. That we aim to build. At UNICEF, we are working with governments and partners to design and deliver tailored, innovative, scalable financing and development solutions. Examples include the Today and Tomorrow and GIGA initiatives, investing in community health workers, bridging the digital divide, so on and so forth. Finally, we must achieve the Agenda 2030, and we must achieve it for children. We are calling on governments and our partners today to re-put—


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:39:29]:

I thank the distinguished representative of UNICEF, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Nations Industrial Development Organization.


UNIDO [1:39:41]:

Thank you very much. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of Ongoing overlapping crises have impacted global economic growth, reduced investments, fragmented supply chains, and slowed job creation, further threatening the achievement of the SDGs. The landmark outcomes of all major conferences keep telling the same story: to advance the SDGs, developing countries need to invest in transforming their economies. There is an urgent need to invest in local productive capacities and value addition for economic resilience and self-sufficiency. Most of all, there is a need to invest in sectors that have a multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy. In the age of automation, the employment creation potential of the industrial sector has been questioned, but evidence shows that manufacturing— each manufacturing job still creates more than 2 jobs in other sectors of the economy. This is why UNIDO's work is very closely aligned with SDG 8 on economic growth and job creation, given its strong linkages with industrialization. But this is not an end in itself. Industrialization also provides a foundation for progress in many other SDGs. Ladies and gentlemen, we must, however, focus on a model of industrialization that places the energy transition at its core and maximizes the opportunities presented by digitalization. Modern industrial policies can play an important role in this regard. As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, rest assured that UNIDO is here as your partner and committed to support your efforts through concrete solutions on the ground. Our programs will continue to support sustainable industrialization through policy advice and technical assistance, and our partnerships with the private sector, financial institutions, institutions, and of course our UN family. Thank you very much.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:41:42]:

I thank the distinguished representative of UNIDO. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of WHO.


WHO [1:41:51]:

Thank you very much, President. Health is a human right and a core aspiration of every human being. However, despite remarkable scientific and technological advances, None of the SDG 3 targets have been achieved, and over half of the world's population cannot access essential health services. Growing challenges such as conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and climate change continue to raise the death toll. Universal health coverage has hit a roadblock, with 4.5 million people still without essential health services and 2 billion facing financial hardship from out-of-pocket costs. The workforce shortages by 2030 have been readjusted up to 11.1 million, 2 million more from just 5 years ago. Efforts to combat communicable diseases to prevent millions of deaths are threatened by inequalities. Non-communicable diseases still continue to cause 75% of all deaths. Mental health conditions remain highly prevalent and often untreated. yet governments spend less than 2% of health budgets to mental health. Road traffic deaths remain a major global health and development challenge and leading cause of death for persons 5 to 29. Declining maternal mortality has also been a success story. On average, pregnancy and childbirth are becoming safer. But despite progress in immunization, there are still 14 million zero-dose children who never receive a single dose of any vaccine. Health is not created in the health sector, but how people live, eat, work, and learn. These determinants of health are only too clearly underscoring the significance of integrating a whole-of-society approach to policymaking and well-being. And to finance all of this.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:43:57]:

I thank the distinguished representative of WHO. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of ITU.


ITU [1:44:06]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, delegates, colleagues, as we celebrate 80 years of the United Nations, the world stands at a crossroads facing urgent challenges that demand bold collective action. At ITU, we believe digital technologies can be a powerful catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development, but only if we double down our efforts. This message came through very clearly at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, where the Compromiso de Sevilla references digital more than 60 times, underscoring how central digital is to global development and financing agendas. We proudly launched with UNCTAD and 7 DFIs digital infrastructure investment catalyzer to mobilize investment and extend digital benefits worldwide. At the World Summit of the Information Society high-level event in Geneva earlier this month, thousands of stakeholders reaffirmed their commitments to a people-centered, resilient, and trusted digital future. And now we need to look ahead to December when we'll come back to New York for the WSIS+20 high-level review meeting, and this is a critical opportunity to assess progress and chart the path forward. At the AI for Good Global Summit, we saw how innovation is already delivering results, from AI-powered climate monitoring to next-generation health solutions, accelerating impact across the SDGs. But challenges remain. There are 2.6 billion people still offline. They're excluded from opportunity and participation. Bridging the digital divide is essential. As co-leads of UNAIDS Task Force Specialized Agency Cluster, ITU is working to ensure that the multilateral system is digitally fit for purpose. Through the Partner2Connect Coalition, we've mobilized over $76 billion in pledges to expand meaningful connectivity.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:46:11]:

I thank the I thank the distinguished representative of ITU. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of FAO.


FAO [1:46:27]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. The Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda demand nothing less than the best we have to offer. The interlinked and indivisible nature of the SDGs necessitates new thinking and new approaches to working and acting. The FAO roadmap— FAO Global Roadmap, for example, offers sophisticated data and science-based modeling and analysis to help nations and communities define unique pathways to agri-food systems transformation, ensuring good food for all today and tomorrow. The roadmap also calls for breaking down silos within and among organizations, prioritizing pragmatic solutions, articulating a strategic vision with a unified language and a shared sense of purpose, and adapting existing mechanisms or spurring new ones for more effective collaborative action. By establishing technology-enabled platforms such as the Hand in Hand Geospatial Platform, the Global Network of Digital Agriculture Innovation Hubs, and the more recent financing for shock-driven food crisis facilities, we are harnessing digital transformation to empower our members and citizens at all levels. Through institutional innovations, such as the partnership-oriented Hand in Hand initiative and the youth-driven World Food Forum, and by upgrading longstanding arrangements such as FAO's Investment Centre and a more than 60-year-old partnership with the World Bank, we are rapidly scaling the human and financial resources we needed for the high ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. Together, we are mobilizing the best that the 21st century has to offer to address the most profound and complex challenges of our time. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:48:24]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Food and Agriculture Organization. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of United Nations Office for Project Services. UNOPS, you have the floor now.


UNOPS [1:48:39]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, UNOPS is honored to participate in this high-level political forum at a defining moment for the 2030 Agenda. Today, we confront a widening implementation gap. Despite strong political will and growing awareness, progress on the SDGs remains uneven and insufficient. This gap reflects not a lack of ambition, but the urgent need for effective, coordinated, and scalable delivery. As the operational arm of the United Nations, UNOPS is uniquely positioned to translate national development priorities into tangible, sustainable results. We work in over 80 countries to support Member States through infrastructure procurement and project management solutions tailored to local contexts and grounded in evidence and inclusion. On SDG 3, UNOPS supports governments in strengthening national health systems, delivering resilient health infrastructure, medical supply chains, and digital platforms to extend access to quality care, particularly in underserved and fragile settings. On SDG 5, we promote gender-responsive infrastructure and inclusive procurement practices, ensuring that public services meet the needs of women and girls and contribute to their safety, dignity, and economic empowerment. On SDG 8, we facilitate local job creation and economic opportunity by engaging community-based contractors, supporting micro and small enterprises, and strengthening national delivery On SDG 14, we work alongside partners to build coastal infrastructure that protects marine ecosystems, enhances climate resilience, and fosters sustainable blue economies. Bridging the implementation gap requires more than resources; it demands trust, country ownership, and long-term capacity building. As we approach 2030, UNOP.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:50:41]:

I think the mic is cut now. I thank the distinguished representative of UNOPS. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of UNAIDS.


UNAIDS [1:50:59]:

Mr. President, the 2025 SDG report highlights the HIV response as an area of tangible progress. By 2024, new HIV infections had dropped by 61% and AIDS-related deaths by 70% from their peaks. This progress has both supported and benefited from broader SDG efforts: health, gender equality, education, and poverty reduction. The key has been global solidarity, multi-sectoral partnerships, and community-led, rights-based responses. But let us be clear: AIDS is not over. In 2024, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections, and more than 9 million people living with HIV had no access to treatment, leading to 630,000 AIDS-related deaths. 2025 was marked by sudden, large-scale funding cuts from international donors, with significant disruption in HIV treatment and prevention around the world. Adolescent girls, young women, and key populations are being particularly affected. UNAIDS estimates that the funding cuts could lead to an additional 6 million new HIV infections and 4 million AIDS-related deaths by 2029. Mr. President, the historic crisis requires a transformation to long-term programmatic, financial and political sustainability of the HIV response. 3 priorities stand out. Number one, national ownership and domestic financing must increase, supported by renewed global solidarity and donor commitment. Number 2, an HIV prevention revolution. Lenacapavir, a 6-month injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis, could be transformative if made available rapidly and affordably. Universal treatment access must also be maintained. And third, HIV integration with broader health systems, including universal health coverage and strengthened community-led responses and enabling legal and social environments. UNAIDS is doing its part to reform and support this transformation. We call on all stakeholders to step up to protect and sustain the hard-won gains.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:53:06]:

I thank the distinguished representative of UNAIDS. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.


UNHCR [1:53:18]:

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the multiple interconnected crises, including conflict and forced displacement, pose serious challenges to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, critically undermining the principle of leaving no one behind, particularly the most vulnerable, like refugees, IDPs, and stateless people, who face compounded barriers to inclusion and progress. As of mid-2024, 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. These stark figures underscore urgent need for inclusive policies and international cooperation. The Global Compact on Refugees offers a collaborative framework that is already showing results. The multi-stakeholder pledges launched at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum are advancing solutions for refugees and their hosts by bringing together Member States, civil society, private sector, and other actors in a whole-of-society approach. This inclusive model is essential for addressing the root causes of impact of forced displacement while advancing sustainable development. The inclusion of refugees in national and local systems is not only a matter of protection and dignity, it is also a smart and powerful investment in resilience and development. When refugees are given the opportunity to contribute, including through meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives, everyone benefits. It is through inclusive policies, equitable access, and collaborative governance that we can build more cohesive, prosperous, and sustainable societies for all. We urge Member States to continue pursuing evidence-based and inclusive policies that unlock development opportunities, transforming displacement from a crisis into a driver of shared growth. Let's act now. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:55:03]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of World Roma Federation.


WRF · Danny Dabobrov [1:55:17]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates and colleagues, my name is Danny Dabobrov and I speak on behalf of the World Roma Federation and its President. As the United Nations celebrates 80 years under the theme Catalyzing Change, we urge Member States to embrace inclusion that is truly global. Roma communities— millions of Roma people across more than 40 countries— remain among the world's most marginalized. We face systemic exclusion in education, housing, employment, and representation. These challenges directly impede SDGs 4, 10, and 16 and require bold, evidence-based, and intersectional solutions. The Roma are not invisible. We are educators, artists, business professionals, and youth advocates, but we remain structurally underrepresented in global processes. In this spirit, the WRF is preparing an event to convene member states on Roma inclusion, seeking to establish a Roma constituency within the Major Groups and Other Stakeholders mechanism. And pursuing state sponsorship for a cultural and Holocaust exhibit at the UN Headquarters to increase Roma visibility in multilateral spaces. We are also in dialogue with senior UN officials exploring models of recognition aligned with non-territorial and Indigenous Peoples. We respectfully recommend that Roma-led organizations be integrated into UN frameworks, International Roma Day be observed across UN platforms, Roma youth be included in digital and climate resilience programs, and member states support desegregated data collection to better inform global policy. Let us mark the 80th anniversary of the UN with resolve to ensure that Roma and other stateless or non-territorial peoples are no longer an afterthought but equal stakeholders in global development. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:57:25]:

I thank, I thank the distinguished representative of World Roma Federation. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Business and Industry Major Group.


Business and Industry Major Group [1:57:39]:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates, it is an honor to address you on behalf of the Business and Industry Major Group. This year we join you in marking 80 years of the UN and 80 years of the UN Economic and Social Council. ECOSOC is where the UN engages with all of us— business and other stakeholders. This is where inclusive multilateralism lives. We cannot take this community for granted, and now is the time to make the UN and ECOSOC fit for tomorrow and for the next 80 years. Despite difficult circumstances, UN80 is the opportunity to do just that— to engineer in key partners to deliver efficiency, prioritization of mandates, and real results on the ground. Business and other important societal partners that ECOSOC has included and worked with— business and industry remains dedicated to provide solutions towards sustainable development, towards inclusive economic growth and multilateral cooperation for the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, and is ready to do its part to deliver the Global Pact for the Future. Such business and industry involvement is critical to frame, improve, and implement international decisions and policies. Business tools, management approaches, expertise, and scaling are more important than ever to reinvigorate the UN and partner with governments and local communities. UNAIDS should call on and internalize these private sector resources and approaches across the UN, including here in ECOSOC. To close, collectively we have accomplished a lot since 2015 here in ECOSOC, thanks to ECOSOC. but there is more to be done. Businesses, corporations, chambers, employers' groups, SMEs in the Global South and North will maintain our commitment to act and partner with all of you. And as the President of ECOSOC stated earlier this week, we must work harder and together here in ECOSOC and through ECOSOC to catalyze change towards 2030 and beyond. You can count on us. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [1:59:45]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Business and Industry Major Group, Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Omid Tofu Care Center International.


Amitofo Care Centre International · SG [1:59:58]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, and distinguished delegates. We understand UN member states all have a well-regulated national system, its distinct national priorities and characteristics. Although commitments and pledges have been made at high levels of government, But for most organizations and individuals, it seems majorly being a voluntary KPI because each year's fiscal budget or national investment are not necessarily tied on to these 17 SDGs. As Secretary-General representing Amrita for Care Centers worldwide and its global partners, we mobilize over 20,000 volunteers each year. We work in some of the most vulnerable countries. Least developed and landlocked developing countries, we feel the pain and the responsibility to rebuild the global balance— global imbalance and inequality. Hearing over the past years many PNRs highlighted, we still have much to do before the 2030 Agenda. We are now in the 10th year running since its adoption. We are lucky as we still have 5.5 more years to go. Like back in school when homework challenge questions and additional readings became optional for exams, further investment in study time for self-improvement is self-constrained. So it is a mathematical deduction: when no concrete reward is tied on to a group of inspired deeds, stickiness to implement and invest are often left to be unknown. Could governments from different nations consider this pledge be supported by some kind of progressive approach with a government-run scheme, something such as an incentivized tax credit mechanism at the corporate and income tax and at the personal income tax level, or a mechanism similar to carbon credit, carbon abatement contract, so to implement gradually the 2030 Agenda for our future generations. Thank you, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:01:57]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Amitabh Bachchan Care Center International. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Together 2030 Stakeholder Group.


Together 2030 Stakeholder Group [2:02:11]:

Thank you, Your Excellencies and honored guests. I deliver this statement on behalf of a coalition of children's rights organizations, including Plan, ChildFund, Save the Children, SOS, and World Vision. As the United Nations turns 80, Accelerating transformative action to achieve the 2030 Agenda is not optional, it is imperative. Millions of children, particularly girls, are still left behind in health, in education, in social protection, and protection from violence. Progress on SDG 3, ensuring health and well-being for all, is stalling. Maternal mortality remains unacceptably high. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is shrinking. Mental health and psychosocial support needs remain unmet, and conflicts and crises are compounding risks for children. We urgently need greater investment in inclusive, rights-based health systems and community-led solutions grounded in evidence. Progress on SDG 5, achieving gender equality, remains alarmingly off track. 1 in 5 girls worldwide is still married before the age of 18, and 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM. Girls and young women continue to face high rates of violence, both online and offline. Gender equality is a proven accelerator across all the SDGs. As we approach 2030, children's and girls' rights must be at the heart of every solution. This means ensuring the solutions are informed by disaggregated data, participatory research, inclusive design, evaluation, and intersectional approaches. The UN at 80 must be a catalyst for real and lasting change. We owe it to today's children and future generations to turn our shared commitments into action, led by those left furthest behind. Thank you, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:04:11]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Together 2030 Stakeholder Group, Before I give the floor to other foundations, Luz Maria, now I just read out the list of the speakers. Stakeholder Group on Aging, International Mayor Communication Center Limited, Education and Academia Stakeholder Group, World Federation of Neurology Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities, Tianjin Ecosystem Fund, Friend of Green Ecoculture Promotion Associations, Volunteers Stakeholder Group, Legion of Goodwill, Workers and Trade Union Major Group, Beijing International Exchange Associations, Asia-Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanisms, Fundación Red de Salud, probably, the Las Majores, Latino Americans del Caribe, LGBTI stakeholder group, the Fire of Foundations, communities discriminated by work and descent, International Federation of Medical Students Associations, Indigenous Peoples Major Group, Major Group for Children and Youth. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fundación Luz María.


Fundación Luz María [2:05:43]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Distinguished delegates, Excellencies, and fellow advocates, thank you. I'm honored to speak on behalf of Fundación Luz María, a grassroots organization committed to ending violence against women and girls by promoting equitable access to resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations. We believe gender equality is not just a goal, it is a fundamental condition for achieving the 2030 Agenda. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we must confront the systemic inequalities that continue to fuel gender-based violence around the world. In our communities, we implement evidence-based programs that combine survivor support, education, and advocacy. These initiatives work, but to scale them, we need sustained investment and international cooperation. We urge member states to prioritize funding from grassroots and women-led organizations, integrate gender perspectives across the policies, and strengthen data systems to support effective intervention. Let us turn this decade of action into a decade of transformation where every woman and girl can live free from violence with dignity and equal opportunity. Thank you so much. God bless.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:07:18]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Fundación Luz María. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thank you.


Stakeholder Group on Ageing [2:07:35]:

On behalf of the constituency of nearly 1 billion older persons, we thank you for this opportunity. Despite being explicitly included in the SDGs, the concerns of older persons are rarely addressed in implementation of the goals. Poverty eradication, health and longevity, decent work, adequate nutrition and accommodations are essential components of life for older persons. Over a lifetime, inequalities and discrimination against older women are compounded at the individual and societal level. Yet a substantial percentage of care is provided by older women. It's been repeatedly demonstrated that older women are all too often subject to abuse and violence. Another example of this inequity is that during the COVID pandemic, we all recall how death and illness disproportionately attacked older persons. The SDGs are designed to significantly reduce extreme poverty for all, including older persons.

The rights of older persons regarding resources for healthy aging and access to medical resources must be improved.

This is especially true in the Global South where the most substantial increase in population aging is occurring. Attention, not lip service, is needed in every nation to avert waves of distress from an increasingly aging world. Mobilizing the talents, participation, and lifelong knowledge of older persons effectively helps achieve improvements in the implementation of the goals. Of course, accurate data, including data disaggregation by 5-year bands, represents a golden foundation so that the concerns of older people are adequately addressed. Older persons are resources, not burdens.

Let's robustly implement these goals in order to benefit older persons during the remaining 5 years of the SDGs. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:09:44]:

I think I thank the distinguished representative of Stakeholder Group on Aging. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of International Mail Communications Center Limited.


International Mayor Communications Center Limited [2:10:00]:

Thank you, President. Thank you, distinguished delegates and Excellencies. In an era of uncertainty, we recognize a vital role of state cooperation in advanced sustainable development. Since 2018, we have promoted the 2030 Agenda through the bilingual platform in Chinese and English and complete 374 articles by January 2025, covering 17 Sustainable Development Goals with a global case study. In 2024, we launched a Pachulia Tea, eco-friendly beverage line named in honor of Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachura, a lifelong advocate for climate action, packaged in biodegradable material and designed for refillable use. It has been distributed to schools, hospitals, and government agencies with great feedback. Starting September 2025, we plan to scale production-use black tea from Kenya and white global flower from Inner Mongolia. This initiative is projected to create 100,000 jobs, forest green livelihoods in less developed regions, and promote economic and environmental prosperity. We are also working with the leading university in Hong Kong to train youth leaders in sustainability and inspire the world's 1.8 billion young people to take climate actions and embrace low-carbon lifestyle. We are dedicated to global partnerships that foster inclusive city cooperation, ensure no one is left behind, and promote prosperity for society, economy, and environment. Let's build a lasting partnership for a resilient, sustainable world. Thank you. Thank you, President. This is a priority, you know, the COP.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:11:55]:

I thank the distinguished representative of International Mayor Communications Centre Limited. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Education and Academia Stakeholder Group.


Education and Academia Stakeholder Group [2:12:08]:

Thank you, Mr. President, Your Excellencies. As a teacher, student, and representative of the Education and Academia Stakeholder Group and the Global Campaign for Education, I'm here today because education is fragile. It is fragile because education development assistance is projected to decline by 22% from 2023 to 2025. Fragile because 251 million children are out of school, and fragile because 60 million girls are sexually assaulted every year on their way to or at school. But imagine if instead governments invest in quality education, every learner attends school, and girls feel safe walking to school. Take Helena, a 15-year-old American student who suffered from unequipped schools that failed to support her disability. When she finally found a school with inclusive support and adequate funding, she became an advocate. Last week, I watched her enter the office of her senator confidently wearing a black suit slightly too large and demands for funding education and wearing a smile of hope. Helena's story shows what investment in inclusive systems can achieve. To multiply this impact, you can commit to 3 actions. First, Increase financing for education, reverse recent cuts in ODA, and reaffirm education as a priority sector. International aid must be safeguarded as a matter of global justice to ensure that every learner can exercise their right to education. Second, develop gender-transformative education systems that address gender discrimination, promote gender equality, and integrate comprehensive sexual education into the curricula. Third, create permanent mechanisms for civil society and youth participation in SDGs at country, regional, and global levels. If we choose to strengthen education, we choose economic growth, gender justice, and lasting peace. That's the world that civil society is working towards. Will you join us? Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:14:11]:

I thank the distinguished representative of education and academia stakeholder group. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of World Federation of Neurology.


WFN · President · Wolfgang Rizzo [2:14:24]:

President, distinguished delegates, my name is Dr. Wolfgang Rizzo. I'm the president of the World Federation of Neurology, a global charity organization with 125 member societies. I would like to highlight the importance of health in particular brain health, as a key component of future sustainability. Recently, one of the major successes in advancing progress towards reaching the SDG 3 has been the priority attributed to the prevention and reduction of non-communicable diseases, NCDs, on the global agenda, as well as efforts to address brain health, and neurology through the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurologic Disorders. Many member states have or are developing national programs to combat NCDs. Neurological disorders present a major proportion in non-communicable diseases, but also raise the risk for NCDs and other complications among people that live with these conditions. These affect about 40% of the world population with some major disability. The World Federation of Neurology calls for stakeholders to invest in neurological research and innovation, capacity building, as well as advocacy and policy development for neurology in order to accelerate progress towards reaching the SDG 3 targets. We urge the health ministers to apply the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurologic Disorders as a way of reducing the burden of NCDs and creating conditions for attaining good health and brain health and well-being for


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:16:32]:

I thank the distinguished representative of World Federation of Neurology. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of stakeholder group of persons with disabilities.


Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities [2:16:50]:

Thank you very much.

Thank you, President. I'm pleased to address this session on behalf of the stakeholder group of persons with disabilities. To catalyze change towards sustainable development, our efforts must be inclusive and systematically address the inequalities inherent in current systems and structures. Recent reports on the implementation of the SDGs show that persons with disabilities continue to be left behind. According to the 2024 Disability and Development Report, only 3 global SDG indicators can be disaggregated by disability across 3 or more countries and appear to be on track to meet their targets by 2030. Inclusive disability development requires the collaboration of all stakeholders working in partnership to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, always with the meaningful participation and leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities. Here at the HLPF and in all multilateral processes, we continue to call on all stakeholders to identify immediate and long-term actions to accelerate change and to include the rights of persons with disabilities in global development frameworks, including financing frameworks. We must all Heed the call to strive to ensure that international development programs are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities, and that they include disability inclusion as a goal, as was endorsed in the Amman-Berlin Declaration at the 2025 Global Disability Summit. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary amid deeply concerning development trends and anti-diversity rhetoric, we remain steadfast in our urgent demands to accelerate SDG progress for and with persons with disabilities in all their diversity leading up to 2030 and beyond. Thank you, Mr. President.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:19:03]:

I thank the distinguished representative of stakeholder group of persons with disabilities. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tianjin Eco-City Friends of Green Eco-Culture Promotion Association.


Tianjin Eco-City Friends of Green Eco-Culture Promotion Association [2:19:23]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, distinguished delegates and ladies and gentlemen. It is so honored to be here Today, I brought my son here too, so we firmly believe that to leave nobody behind, we must take science as the rudder and the community as the anchor. Only when scientific wisdom and community strengths are fully combined can sustainable development truly take root in the soil of human civilization. In the ecological governance of the Baihao Bay, we have established a collaborative mechanism involving multiple parties. Through monthly coastal cleanup operations and the annual Ocean Festival, We have mobilized more than 100,000 members of the public to participate. Our actions have proven that inclusiveness is not about achieving a perfect statistical proportion, but about enabling every group to feel the pulse of change. It is not just a slogan but a code of conduct. Young people are at the core of change. On April 5th this year, we were approved to host a side event of the United Nations Youth Forum, providing an open platform for young people around the world to discuss effective ways to empower youth.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:21:23]:

I think the mic is cut. I thank the distinguished representative of Tianjin Eco-City Friends of Green Eco-Culture Promotion Association. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of volunteers stakeholder group.


Volunteers Stakeholder Group [2:21:42]:

Excellencies, Mr. President, With sustainable development under threat from war, inequality, climate change, the commitment of more than a billion volunteers worldwide stays as a powerful force to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda, the only roadmap to a livable future. The millions of people who serve their communities, and that I have the honour to represent here today, are mobilising, organising, campaigning, and stepping in as development cooperation and multilateralism and are undermined. With the founding of the United Nations 8 decades ago, we envisioned and shaped a new world. With that ideal, we expected to be in a world today that's much better, a world in which human rights will be guaranteed, our planet will be protected, and genocide would just be a page in our history. Unfortunately, this is not our current reality. Climate change threatens our existence Inequality devastates our societies, and genocides and mass atrocities take place with all impunity and complicity. The United Nations faces the cruel reality of becoming powerless, restricted, and if the trend continues, extinct. The UN@20 initiative seeks not only to improve efficiency but also to reassert the value of multilateralism at unprecedented times. It is clear that neither the member states nor the United Nations can achieve this alone. You need us, but we cannot do it if you're looking at us as enemies or obstacles. We call upon you to strategically and consistently engage with us, your citizens, your community-based leaders who are actively transforming societies and addressing the crises that our challenging world faces. We together can shape a resilient and inclusive future. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:23:37]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Voluntiers Stakeholder Group. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Legion of Goodwill.


LGW [2:23:50]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I represent the Legion of Goodwill, a civil society organization founded in Brazil in 1950 that promotes inclusive education and social programmes, benefiting more than 600,000 people annually in vulnerable communities across 7 countries, mainly in Latin America. Our contribution to this high-level segment, Mr President, highlights 2 key priorities: decent work and economic growth, with a focus on youth and adult vocational training, and partnerships for the goals, emphasising volunteer engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic alliances to ensure no one is left behind. The LGW's methodology is built on 3 pillars: social assistance as an act of love, quality education that nurtures both intellect and character, and an ecumenical culture of peace. This integrated approach effectively combats poverty and inequality, providing access to basic rights while fostering a spirit of solidarity and civic responsibility. The result? Empowered individuals who are prepared to contribute to a just and sustainable society. Our recommendation, Mr. President, is that the international development agenda must be anchored in ethical and universal spiritual values. As our President, Educator Paiva Neto, states, the planet demands a new awareness grounded in principles that guarantee the continuity of life and human coexistence above all other interests. The renewed consciousness must shape public policies, multilateral cooperation, and education, ensuring progress that is not only economic but also human, inclusive, and lasting. The LGW reaffirms its commitment to building a more just, fraternal, and compassionate world, aligned with the UN founding purpose to promote peace.

Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:25:56]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Legion of Goodwill. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Workers' and Trade Union Major Group.


Workers' and Trade Union Major Group [2:26:08]:

Thank you, Mr. President. How can we make multilateralism work for social justice and use the UNEP initiative as an opportunity for a more and better UN? In our view, the SDGs are a proof of what the UN social development mandate can deliver. To those who say SDGs are a lost fight, we say SDGs are the most advanced vision of sustainable development multilateralism has ever delivered. While it is true that we are far off track, we would be much worse without SDGs. They unite us and give us a vision of the world we want and the world we must keep building. To truly catalyze this period of change, we must build on what the achievements of the UN Social Development Mandate, rooted in the UN Charter, has been making for social justice. This was highlighted in 1995 at the First World Social Summit in Copenhagen, and we need to vibrantly prioritize it in the Second World Social Summit in Doha this November. We are facing a global attack against international solidarity. Our answer must be more solidarity, human rights, democracy, and social justice. Likewise, we are facing a concerted attack against hope, and our role is to keep hope alive by showing that a different way of living together is not only urgently needed, it is possible, and it benefits us all. Ours is an urgent call to action to resist and counteract. As the world's largest democratic force, The union movement embodies the collective power of working people everywhere. You can count on us to help build a multilateralism based on democracy, solidarity, and social justice. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:27:53]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Workers' and Trade Union Major Group. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Beijing International Exchange Associations.


Beijing International Exchange Association [2:28:07]:

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, as we gather under the theme UN@80: Catalyzing Change, we reaffirm the indispensable role of NGOs in forging partnerships in advancing the 2030 Agenda. The principle of leaving no one behind demands urgent action to bridge divides for marginalized groups and developing countries. As critical bridges between grassroots realities and global policymaking, NGOs ensure that multi-stakeholder partnerships are people-centered and equitable. NGOs play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between governments, private sector, and communities, ensuring that sustainable development truly benefits all. Furthermore, inclusive development requires amplifying the demands of BRICS and Global South nations for fair representation in multilateral forums where systematic gaps persist. Thus, we urge member states to strengthen NGO engagement in SDG implementation in the following 3 aspects. First, strengthen formal mechanism for NGO engagement in policymaking and implementation. Second, increase funding for local civil society initiatives addressing inequality. Third, prioritize inclusive data collection to ensure no one is invisible in progress tracking. Ladies and gentlemen, true progress requires listening to those most affected by inequality. Let's commit to partnerships that empower, policies that include, and actions that deliver. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind. I thank you all.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:29:55]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Beijing International Exchange Association. Now, I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Asia-Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanisms.


APRCEM [2:30:08]:

Excellencies, Mr. President, brothers and sisters, I am speaking on behalf of APRSEM. Civil society strongly affirms our commitment to be the voices of the marginalized in these spaces and outside. We again raise the alarm. No goals are on track and many targets have regressed. With only 5 years left, we see a continuing development plan that favors market-based economic growth tactics over the full realization of people's collective rights. The power given to multinational corporations at the expense of the working people and the planet have all contributed to worsening inequalities. Corporations that willingly signed the UN Global Compact have discarded gender and diversity commitments for political and economic gains. Corporate greed fuels monopolization of AI and data, which furthers inequalities and wars of aggression, which drive the pursuit of resources, arms sales, and political influence. These dire conditions are the very reasons why we must shift VNRs away from GDP growth narratives and instead integrate a development justice lens to address power imbalances. Here are 3 out of the many recommendations of the civil society to strengthen accountability mechanisms given the unmet ODA and SDG commitments. First, raise the scale of ambition in development financing from the $500 billion stimulus package and the current ODA ratios around $250 billion, almost 20 times less than the $4.2 trillion financing shortfall. Number 2, ensure social contract between governments and peoples of the world addresses universal social protection, healthcare coverage, adequate housing, quality education, decent jobs and living wages, and addressing inequalities within and among countries. Third, strengthen and implement safeguards against corporate capture of multilateral processes.

We demand reverse the shrinking civic space, change the system


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:32:12]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Asia-Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanisms. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fundación de Salud de Mujeres Latinoamericanas del Caribe. Sorry for my pronunciations.


Fundación Red de Salud de Mujeres Latinoamericanas del Caribe [2:32:34]:

Gracias.

Thank you, President. Our network urges states to ensure comprehensive health, but particularly the sexual and reproductive health of women. It's essential to have power over our bodies and lives. We are the ones that do the care work. We are the link between the health problems and the care problems. We take on more responsibilities within the family. The challenges in implementing the SDGs are enormous in order to resolve our historic debt to women. Teenage pregnancy is one of the highest in the world and problems relating to births and care and unemployment and violence. Femicide and underrepresentation politically are amongst the many problems that we have in the region. Our region continues to be the most unequal region in the world. The funding of public policy for gender equality, particularly for comprehensive healthcare and dealing with gender violence and labor policies and the institutionalization of policies for women continue to be very limited. Public spending is less than 1% of GDP on women's issues. What we need are institutional alliances because the only sustainable development will mean if there is meaningful participation of women. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:34:35]:

Thank you. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of LGBTI stakeholder group.


LGBTI Stakeholder Group [2:34:43]:

The UN80 initiative calls us to build a more effective UN, but we must ask, effective for whom and for what purpose? We're not discussing reform in a vacuum. We are today in an era of rising authoritarianism and a calculated global assault on human rights. Civic space is shrinking and the voices of right holders are being systematically silenced. For the LGBTQIA+ community, This is not an abstract threat. It's our daily reality. We see a dangerous backsliding on the promises of UN@75. We're being actively erased from political and economic life. But no matter how many governments try to silence our voice or deny our existence in both physical and digital realities, we're still here. When we hear the UN80 reform agenda speak of efficiency, consolidation, and streamlining, we are concerned that this language of administrative reform will be co-opted by those who wish to see a retreat from the UN's human rights commitments. UN80 must be a moment where we redouble our commitments to the UN's founding values and its commitment to We the People. We can't streamline human rights, we can't reform multilateralism without empowering and rethinking how multistakeholderism is at the core of this reform. Member states and representatives, This is our proposal. When you review the UN mandates, don't just look for redundancies. Look for the gaps where the rights of LGBTI and other marginalized groups are unnamed, unprotected, and strengthen those mandates. When you restructure, create and fund dedicated mechanisms that ensure meaningful participation. When you set the agenda, it should not be dictated by the political whims of those who are funded or who have grown accustomed to the seat at the table. use this reform to actively empower and recommit to the global human rights and development agenda. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:36:37]:

I, I thank the distinguished representative of LGBTI stakeholder group. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of FIRE Foundation.


FIRE Foundation [2:36:49]:

Thank you very much. I want to offer one of my 2 minutes to care for our hearts by sharing a simple tool from the HeartMath Institute, which is scientifically shown to create a state called physiological coherence. This state of being facilitates wellness, mental clarity, expanded awareness, and solution-focused innovation and collaboration. In other words, a shift from surviving to thriving. It leaves no one behind because everyone has a heart. So I invite you to focus your attention in the area of your heart. Imagine your breath is flowing in and out of your heart or chest area, and you're breathing a little slower and deeper than usual. Make a sincere attempt to experience a feeling of appreciation or care for someone or something in your heart. Feel free to continue breathing this way. To receive proven benefits. Our work at the FIERA Foundation empowers individuals and communities worldwide to shift from reactive survival to thriving collaboration by training these scientifically validated coherent skills. Science shows that coherent hearts create coherent societies. This simple, profound shift unlocks human capacities essential for achieving the SDGs. A change of heart is not metaphorical. It is physiological, measurable, and trainable. We invite all partners to embed coherence-building skills into their VNR action plans by contacting us at support@heartambassadors.com. A thriving, equitable, and sustainable future depends not only on what we build externally, but on how we evolve internally. Together, ensuring no heart is left behind. Thank you very much.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:38:46]:

I thank the distinguished representative of FIRE Foundations. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of communities discriminated by work and descent. Mr.


Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent [2:38:59]:

President, Excellencies, colleagues, and friends, today amidst growing pushback polarization and uncertainty of reform, we must stand firm in defense of the multilateral institutions that uphold peace and dignity and renew our commitment to advancing human rights and inclusion. I speak today as one of over 270 million people facing discrimination based on work and descent. Our communities, which include Dalits and Burakumin in Asia, Roma in Europe, Osu, Haratin, and others in Africa, and Quilombola in South America, continue to experience a deeply entrenched form of discrimination based on social stratification systems which adversely affect every aspect of life. Mr. President, just 6 days ago, UN Women launched a policy document that directly addresses the lived experiences of women from descent communities, offering clear and evidence-based recommendations to close persistent policy gaps. This is an important step forward, but we must go further. ECOSOC's structure and mandate make it uniquely suited to ensure that the voices of structurally excluded communities, like those facing descent-based discrimination, are fully included in global policy conversations. It must be empowered and adequately resourced to identify and address longstanding blind spots in the development agenda. Therefore, to all member states and civil society colleagues, we offer the following recommendations: ensure the inclusion of dissent communities in the Second World Social Summit and in its political outcome declaration, and continued attention at the Commission for Social Development and other functional commissions of ECOSOC. Join the New York-based Group of Friends on Dissent Communities. Lastly, as reform to the UN system advances, streamlining must not come at the expense of civil society participation or human rights mandates. Reform should target unnecessary—


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:41:06]:

I think Mac is caught already here, so thank you so much. And I thank these distinguished representatives of communities discriminated by work and descent. Now I give the floor to the Distinguished representative of International Federation of Medical Students Association.


IFMSA [2:41:26]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Distinguished delegates, the International Federation of Medical Students Associations envisions UN@80 as both an opportunity and a call to action to revitalize trust in the multilateral system and reimagine its role as a true catalyst for inclusive, sustainable development. In a time of overlapping crises from climate change, to global health inequalities, we are reminded that no country can face these challenges alone. Multilateralism is not a choice, it's a necessity, but its legitimacy depends on its ability to deliver for all, especially those who have been historically left behind. As young people and medical students, we see every day how health systems are overwhelmed, how communities, our communities, face poverty and injustice, and how marginalized groups continue to be excluded from decisions that affect their lives, our lives. We believe that youth must be at the center of this transformation. We are not just future leaders, we are current changemakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates. However, our voices remain underrepresented in key spaces where decisions are made. UN@80 must mark a shift, one where young people are meaningfully included at all stages of decision-making, from design to implementation to accountability. We call for the prioritization for health in all policies. Health must be seen as both a driver and an outcome of sustainable development. This means recognizing UHC as the foundation of SDG 3, ensuring equitable access to primary healthcare and comprehensive sexuality and reproductive health and rights. It also regards embedding health across all across strategies, including education, environmental, labor, planetary, and mental health. Let UN at 80 be remembered. not just as a celebration of the past, but as a turning point where the global community chooses to listen, to act, and to live with and for you. And thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:43:17]:

I thank the distinguished representative of International Federation of Medical Students' Associations. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indigenous Peoples Major Group, to be followed by Major Group for children and youth.


Indigenous Peoples Major Group [2:43:35]:

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, I'm delivering the statement on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Major Group. With less than 5 years left to achieve the goals and targets set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the pledge of leaving no one behind remains rhetoric. The achievement of a truly just and equitable development calls upon the political will of states to implement the human rights obligations, and particularly for Indigenous Peoples, the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. The Declaration of Future Generations clearly stipulates among the commitments the need to recognize, respect, promote, and protect the rights of Indigenous People, their territories, land, and ecosystems, and ensure Indigenous peoples' rights to participation and decision-making in matters which would affect our rights. This commitment is crucial, is critical for Indigenous people as the threat to our Indigenous identity and continuity as peoples are increasing in the name of just transition and climate solutions being imposed in our territories. We call upon states to strengthen their data systems and put in place a robust data disaggregation system on ethnicity and the characteristics to ensure the indigenous people and their historically marginalized or intentionally made invisible groups within the society are accounted for, and the development aspirations integrated in national and local development plans. Indigenous people's solutions and contributions to sustainable development should be at the front and center in the Second World Social Development Summit in Doha in November, including in the outcome documents of the summit. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:45:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Indigenous Peoples Major Group. Now I give the floor to the distinguished distinguished representative of Major Group for Children and Youth.


Major Group for Children and Youth · Charu Joshi [2:45:51]:

I'm Charu Joshi, speaking on behalf of the Major Group for Children and Youth. More than 300 children and youth participated at this year's HLPF, organizing over 20 side events, highest numbers ever. In times of multiple interconnected crises, youth bring hope and resilience. We highlight the following priorities: We call upon member states to ensure full and complete implementation of the 2030 Agenda from an intersectional, gender-responsive, and human rights lens, with no backsliding on SDGs. The outcome documents of the HLPF and other intergovernmental processes are not just negotiated texts but referendums on the lives of people, especially frontline communities. When the UN75 process happened 5 years ago, It gave young people a promise of reinvigorated multilateralism. The UN 80 process cannot take away that hope. UN 80 must strengthen and not backside programmatic work of the UN on youth issues. Similarly, major groups and other stakeholders must have clear access and ways to provide inputs to the process. We are concerned with the narrative around the right to development on certain negotiation processes. We continue. Continue to call upon recognizing the universality, indivisibility, interrelatedness, and interdependence of all human rights. As the ECOSOC Youth Forum grows in size, we call upon adding a standing agenda item on the Pact for the Future implementation review from a youth lens in the Youth Forum. As part of UN80, member states must protect the rights of young people and ensure safe platforms for participation and peaceful protests. Shrinking civil society spaces are fundamentally against Agenda 2030. Finally, Excellencies, the road to the World Summit for Social Development is incomplete without full and complete engagement of rights holders and major groups and stakeholders. We call for designated spaces to contribute to the outcome document for the Social Summit and direct meaningful engagement of the NGOs. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:47:52]:

I I thank the distinguished representative of Major Group for Children and Youth. And we just heard the last speaker in this session. And colleagues, the exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with Rule 46 of the Rule of Procedures of the Economic and Social Council. I should like to remind the delegations that The number of interventions in exercise of the right of reply for any delegations at a given meeting should be limited to 2 per item. The first intervention should be limited to 5 minutes and the second to 3 minutes. With this, now I give the floor to the representative of Georgia.


Georgia [2:48:46]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I would like to exercise the right of reply in response to the statement made by the delegate of the Russian Federation yesterday on 22nd of July, which we were unable to deliver due to time constraints. The statement made by the Russian delegate concerning the beginning of Russia's invasion of Georgia in 2008 is in its essence and misleading. And false narrative. This was the act of aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Georgia in 2008, in grave violation of the principles and norms of international law, namely territorial integrity, inviolability of frontiers, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs of another sovereign state. As we speak, Russia continues to illegally occupy 20% of Georgia's sovereign territory. All its actions are undertaken in violation of fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign state, which is enshrined in the UN Charter, and in blatant violations of basic human rights in the illegally occupied territories and adjacent areas. All these violations are duly reflected in the findings of the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia, which the Russian delegate referred in his statement yesterday. Moreover, the Russian Federation's decision to recognize the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia was considered a serious breach of international law by the same international fact-finding mission. Unfortunately, the Russian delegate referred the report of the International Independence Fact-Finding Mission in a distorted form and interpreted its conclusions out of context. The report clearly states that The Russian Federation prepared military operation and its armed forces were mobilized at the border of Georgia even earlier, before Russia started its full-scale aggression against Georgia. I can go further with many quotes from the report of the International Independent Fact-Finding Mission. However, mindful of time, I will stop here. Russia is responsible for the illegal occupation of 2 integral parts of Georgia's sovereign territory: Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. As already recalled numerous times previously, decisions of the international courts— European Court of Human Rights and International Criminal Court— legally attest the very fact of Russia's illegal occupation and effective control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions of Georgia, not only during and after Russia's war of aggression against Georgia in 2008, but long before that. Russia failed to meet the obligations undertaken by the UN-mediated 6-point ceasefire agreement which clearly stipulated that the parties to the conflict, Russia and Georgia, had to pull out their troops to the pre-war positions. Russia never pulled back or showed an intention of withdrawal from the sovereign territory of the UN member state Georgia. Mr. Vice President, the Russian Federation has instigated armed hostilities in Georgia in the early '90s, when it was supporting and fuelling separatist aspirations at the time, and supported the occupation regimes with weapons and military operations. Georgia is still facing the consequences of such hostile activities by the Russian Federation. In our statement yesterday, July 22nd, we underlined the dire reality on the ground, which is a fact and therefore merely cannot be questioned. And I will repeat it here again. I quote, Russia's illegal occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions of Georgia deprives Georgia on the other side of the occupation line of the possibility to benefit from the positive developments taking place in my country. Regrettably, these people continue to be left behind, facing grave humanitarian and human rights challenges on the ground. Period. Thank you, Mr. Vice President.


ECOSOC · Vice-President [2:52:40]:

Colleagues, we have thus concluded the general debate of the High-Level Thank you very much. Before we conclude our meeting, I want to invite all delegations to join a choir of young people from New York City called Sing for Hope, who will be singing in support of the SDGs in the GA lobby visitors entrance at 1:15 PM, accompanied again by the SDG Piano. I hope to see you there. The meeting is thus adjourned.