(12th meeting) High-Level Political Forum 2025 | 1) Messages from the UN Environment Assembly; 2) Regional perspectives on SDG implementation; 3) Voluntary national reviews (VNRs)

Alright, the 12th meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council and its 2025 session, is called to order. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I invite the Forum to continue its consideration of Agenda Item 2, Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive science and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind. The Forum shall first hear the main message of the United Nations Environmental Assembly and its contributions to the debates of the High-Level Political Forum. Now I invite His Excellency Abdullak Bin Ali Al Amri, the President of the United Nations Environment Assembly and its 7th session, and the Chairman of the Environment Authority of Oman, to make a statement. Excellency, the floor is yours.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Your Excellency, President of the Economic and Social Council Honorable Ministers, Excellencies, distinguished delegations. It is an honor to address the High-Level Political Forum 2025 in my capacity as President of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. We gather at a critical moment. The world urgently needs to come together to translate commitments into action to improving the lives of millions of people around the world, ensuring a resilient planet for people. The theme of this year's High-Level Political Forum, Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind, resonates strongly with the theme of UNEA-7, Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet. The environmental dimension of sustainable development is not merely one of three pillars. It is fundamental. By addressing environmental challenges, we can make progress on every single SDG, from health and gender equality to sustain inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The indivisible and integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs means that action for the environment can generate transformative ripple effects across the goals. Policies that yield such multiplier benefits, which address root causes and drivers of environmental change, bridge environmental and human well-being, and enhance resilience have been promoted by UNEA. These integrated solutions are essential if we are not to meet with ambitious 2030 Agenda and truly no one— and truly leave no one behind. Excellencies, today's environmental Climate change and health challenges are deeply intertwined, but so are the solutions. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste continue to pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems. Yet time and time again, we see that by working together, guided by science, we can turn the tide. Strong interlinkages between environment and health exist, and it is important to stress that addressing these environmental challenges will produce health benefits. We should also highlight the importance of addressing them jointly through cross-cutting and preventive approaches such as the One Health approach. Properly used and managed, Chemicals provided benefits that improve quality of life and human well-being. The Goal Framework of Chemicals promotes the sound management of chemicals for a safe, healthy, and sustainable future through a voluntary, multi-stakeholder, and multi-sectoral approach. Progress is also being made by promoting circular economic policies. As a pathway to achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns that contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Hence, Member States have been invited to integrate circular economic approaches into national strategies and action plans, aiming to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, avoid hazardous exposure, and decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. Sustainable consumption and production are not abstract ideals. They are concrete implementable actions toward more equitable and resilient societies. Impact across gender remains a key vertical. Women are not only disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation, they are also leading the way in finding solutions. From advancing sustainable production systems to shaping inclusive climate action, their leadership is essential. UNEA has therefore encouraged member states to foster gender-responsive environmental policies and to strengthen women's participation in decision-making. Strengthening global ocean governance remains vital. By launching the negotiations toward the Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution, including marine litter, an important step has been taken to further protect our ocean and our health. I hope the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee can conclude its important work later this year. With the same spirit, I encourage all countries to ratify the agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. Strengthening synergies across multilateral environmental agreements between UNEA and other UN organizations must be at the forefront to improve financial architecture and reform financing of development. By doing so, we will align our collective action to remain cohesive with SDGs. We must enhance the provision and mobilization of all means of implementation, as well as promote sustainable and innovative financing opportunities and mechanisms to unlock new capital for sustainable investment, including upscaling of sustainable business models. Let me also take this opportunity to reaffirm the importance of dedicated North-South South-South and Triangle Cooperation for Development Partnership and UNIA's strong commitment to multilateralism and international solidarity. In order to inspire impactful and collective action to tackle global environmental challenges and crisis, we urgently need to reinforce action, global inclusiveness and solidarity, and scale up means of implementation.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is important to activate dialogue and to ensure that dialogue is the only means for the settlement of disputes between countries, particularly given the adverse effects of wars on humankind as well as infrastructure and the environment. That involves UN efforts seeking to bring peace and sustainable development and to preserve our environment. A clear example of this is the Gaza Strip in Palestine because of the Israeli war machine which is only killing and wreaking havoc. Gaza is facing a major lack of medicines and healthy water. Women and children are killed as they try and obtain food. According to UNICEF, 85% of water services are inactive and the vast majority of the inhabitants of the area aren't able to access water resources. 90% of lands have been deteriorated, and there have also been destruction of schools, hospitals, mosques, and churches, which now are mere ruins. And I wonder whether we have truly decided that Gaza will be left behind? Or is it the case that we just don't want to shed light on this situation?

What we need is political will, solidarity, and sustained action. The UN Environment Assembly remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering solutions that are inclusive, integrated, and grounded in science, leaving no one behind. UNESCO's unique universal platform allows us to craft consensus, elevate ambition, and translate evidence into policy. The upcoming UNESCO event, which will take place in Nairobi in December 2025, offers a renewed opportunity to build political momentum for inclusive, effective, and science-based multilateralism. We aim to deepen synergies across environmental goals and MEAs, promote integrated action, and support implementation at all levels. In the context of scaling global environmental and climate challenges and their severe threats to our planet, it is necessary to establish new and effective governance arrangements. This requires clearly organizing the relationship between the United Nations Environment Assembly and the multilateral environmental agreements, including redefining tasks and rules to unify efforts and resource efficient and effective performance to accelerate the achievement of 2030 Agenda targets. As we prepare for UNEA 7, I encourage all member states and stakeholders to engage fully and constructively in the development of action-oriented, ambitious, and balanced ministerial declarations, to avoid duplications on draft resolutions, and to actively participate in discussions on strengthening multilateral environmental governance. Your commitment and contribution are vital to ensure UNEASIFN delivers tangible, ambitious, and inclusive outcomes. The road to 2030 demands that we bridge divides and ensure that no one is left behind. Let's harness the momentum of this forum to renew our shared commitment to people, planet, and prosperity. Thank you. Weshukran Jazeelan.

I thank the President of the United Nations Environmental Assembly for his statement. And now I briefly pause the meeting to allow the podium to be rearranged, and, and I invite the chairs of the regional forums to take their seats at the podium and please remain seated just for a short pause of rearranging the podium. Thank you. Okay, everyone's here so we can start. Not to leave no one behind, but we don't have time left behind. So Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Forum will now proceed to the session on regional perspectives on SDG implementation. This session will spotlight the key policy messages emanating from the regional sustainable development forums. It will elaborate on the distinctive needs of the various regions, while also drawing common threads between them and which require further innovation, concrete solutions and inclusive partnerships. The session will also discuss the strategic role of the Regional Commissions in strengthening the capacity of Member States and other stakeholders to accelerate SDG progress. But first, I invite the Forum to view a video titled "Making Transformation Real: Regional Voices for Sustainable Development," that provides snapshots from regional stakeholders on regional trends and solutions to advance SDG implementation. Please play the video.

Across regions, bold steps are being taken to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals. From climate-smart cities to digital innovation, from youth entrepreneurship to data-driven policymaking. Regional action is leading to change. Through regional coordination, knowledge and data platforms, and integrated policy solutions, the 5 regional commissions in coordination with the New York office are supporting the means of implementation needed to turn global ambitions into local action.

At the Ministry of Labour, we service a broad range of stakeholders and have to implement various policies and strategies, including the National Development Strategy Number 3, part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. And in implementing that, we faced a critical question and challenge on how can we move from fragmented data to real-time actionable insights that can drive our decision-making processes. And that's where our partnership with the ESCWA comes in. The ESCWA were approached with a clear challenge that they were able to resolve with cutting-edge technologies utilizing artificial intelligence, data analysis, emerging technologies, the ESCOA provided us with digital solutions that can help build the next generation of labour market information systems. We're very happy and proud with what we've achieved so far with this partnership and are really excited to see where we can take it next. Because the collaboration, it goes beyond dashboards. It enables us to contextualize labour data dynamically and stimulate different outcomes that can serve our policies and strategies. We're very proud and excited of what we have achieved so far and look forward to achieving much, much more in the future with the UN ESCOA.

As the ASEAN Coordinator for Sustainable Development Cooperation, Thailand values close collaboration with the UN ESCAP to advance the SDGs in close alignment with ASEAN priorities, synergizing regional and global efforts on the sustainability agenda. Following the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in May this year, This year, we will renew our commitment to enhancing complementarities between the New Visions and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. Looking ahead, we remain committed to fostering this valuable collaboration, and we work together towards a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN and beyond.

At the 2025 UNESCO Regional Forum, we had an in-depth discussion on the path to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals. Progress has been heartbreakingly slow, but we can do better by harnessing key enablers such as new technologies, artificial intelligence, the digital transformation, new energy, sources, empowering the whole of our society by empowering women, by engaging with small and medium enterprises. Two factors stand out: we need to mitigate the risks associated with new technologies, and we need to engage with the private sector because the private sector has the resources, the technology, the innovation to bring about change on a wide scale. At the regional forum, we are just many examples of how this can be done in areas such as improving government services, education, connectivity, agriculture. UNESCO has a strong mandate to develop policies and standards together with governments, businesses, experts, and civil society in all these fields, particularly in fields such as autonomous vehicles, cross-border connectivity, and the smart energy transition. We need to act together. And that's why the UN and UNESCE is so important, because they bring us together. And together we can achieve our goals. We really can get the job done.

The 2030 Agenda of the United Nations and Agenda 2063 of the African Union constitute mutually supportive frameworks for the attainment of inclusive prosperity and sustainable development in Africa. Economic Commission for Africa is a strong partner of the African Union Commission and is an integral and indispensable part of the African regional institutional architecture. I commend the Economic Commission for Africa for its continued role of linking and aligning global, regional, and national development frameworks and priorities as knowledge partner providing cutting-edge analysis and foresight and designing and promoting implementation of concrete interventions and programs such as the domestication of the two agendas, African Continental Free Trade Area, innovative financing mechanism, and championing Africa's voice at global level, among other interventions. These roles remain relevant and need to be sustained for the implementation of the two agendas and the realization of the Africa we want.

The support of ECLAC has been fundamental for the implementation, follow-up, and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Preparing our first Voluntary National Review in 2023 presented challenges given the systemic setbacks with the collection of SDG-related data. Notwithstanding, ECLAC supported us strongly in making our first VNR a reality. We also counted on ECLAC's support in conducting VNR sensitization sessions with the cabinet. We also hugely benefited from ECLAC's community of practice as a regular space for exchange among peers to share good practices and lessons learned throughout the VNR process. ECLAC is enhancing the territorialization of the SDGs in our Small Island Developing State, offering us valuable guidance and capacity-building tools to support us undertaking our first voluntary local review to measure SDG progress at the local level. ECLAC's support will continue to be necessary for Member States like ours as we continue to accelerate progress toward SDG implementation by 2030. The road to 2030 and beyond demands more than promises. It demands regional solidarity, innovation, and inclusive multilateralism. Regional Forums for Sustainable Development remain vital platforms for policy dialogue, bringing countries together around shared priorities. Together we make transformation real.

Okay, thank you for the video. And now I'm pleased to welcome the incredibly large and super high ministerial chairs panel of the ministerial chairs of the regional forums on sustainable development, which consists of Her Excellency Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, as the chair of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. Excellency. His Excellency Muhammad Ali Tamim, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Planning of the Republic of Iraq, as the Chair of the Arab Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. His Excellency Suman Berry, Vice Chair of NITI, the National Institution for Transforming India, Aayong of India, as Chair of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. His Excellency Umit Abidakhaev, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, as co-chair of the UNESCO Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. His Excellency Ioannis Giokas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations in Geneva, as co-chair of the UNESCO Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. And His Excellency Jorge Félix Rubio, Director General for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, as Chair of the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. Our lead discussant will be Mr. Faisal Al Fadhel, Secretary General of the Saudi Green Building Forum. I'm also pleased to welcome our moderator, Ms. Keisha McGuire, President and the CEO of the Present and Future Institute Now, I hand over the conduct of the discussion to moderator, wishing her good luck with the time. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Yes, we are very short on time, but I think with the acquiescence of our panel here today and cooperation, we will get through it. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor to moderate this important discussion on regional perspectives on SDG implementation. As you've just heard, I am Keisha McGuire, President and CEO of the Present and Future Institute, hailing from the beautiful, incomparable spice of the Caribbean, Grenada. I am particularly excited for today's exchange on a topic of vital importance for the survival and prosperity of countries such as my own. Distinguished delegates, we meet today at a pivotal time. And our theme this year, Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for Leaving No One Behind, could not be more timely or urgent. We are, alarmingly given our progress, now in the final 5 years of the 2030 Agenda. Progress reports underscore that while progress has been made, it is both uneven and insufficient to achieve the SDGs on time. Regional perspectives are crucial to achieving the SDGs. The regional forums held earlier this year offered not only a barometer of progress but also concrete, context-specific solutions. Regions bring the ability to tailor global commitments to local realities, foster partnerships across borders, and strengthen the science-policy interface that underpins effective, accountable governance. They also help un— underscore the invaluable contributions of the Regional Economic Commissions and aid to articulate regional priorities into global agendas, including milestones such as the recently concluded Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development. Today's panel is an opportunity to reflect on the key messages, innovative pathways, and policy solutions emerging from each region. We will also hear examples of how regional cooperation, innovative financing, and evidence-based decision-making are helping to accelerate implementation. During this segment, we will hear from each of the chairs of the 2025 Regional Forums what, in their view, are the key messages and solutions emerging from the regions to advance SDG implementation as we approach the 2030 goalpost, after which we will have the privilege of hearing reflections from our lead discussant. I now therefore have the pleasure to invite our distinguished panelists, the chairs of the 2025 Regional Forums, to share their insights, beginning with the Africa Regional Forum. Honourable Prime Minister Nabanja, African countries have a unique and dual responsibility to implement the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the African Union. What key priorities emerged from the 2025 Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to accelerate on the SDGs and the second 10-year implementation plan of Agenda 2063? You have the floor, Honourable Prime Minister.

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to address this forum on behalf of the African region on the regional perspective on SDG implementation. Allow me to bring you greetings from the President of the Republic of Uganda and the people of Uganda. Your Excellencies, with only 5 years left to 2030, the urgency to accelerate SDG implementation globally, and Africa in particular, has never been greater. That is why Africa and its partners converged in Kampala, Uganda, from 9th to 11th April 2025 for the 11th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. The forum focused on solutions to drive job creation, economic growth, and accelerate the 2030 Agenda and Africa's Agenda 2063. I commend the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa for its leadership in aligning national and global frameworks, scaling regional priorities, and promoting evidence-based implementation. Excellencies, Africa continues to exhibit stronger political will in the implementation of the two agendas. This was evident at the 11th session, where His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda was joined by over 5 current and former African heads of state and government at the forum's presidential dialogue. The declaration outcomes are 6 key— the declaration outlines 6 key pillars. One, leadership and governance reforms are essential. We must strengthen national and local institutions, align implementation frameworks, and embed these SDGs, the Pact for the Future, and Agenda 2063 into policy and planning. Second, financing and partnerships are crucial. Africa faces a US dollar 1.6 trillion financing gap by 2030. We call for reformed global financial system that offers sustainable finance, debt relief, and fair valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services. Third, investing in youth, women, and digital transformation is urgent. We must support youth-led innovation, expand digital access, and mainstream gender equality across policy and financing. Fourth, health and social protection must be prioritized. Governments must allocate at least 15% of the national budgets to health and support local vaccine production. We must also scale up social protection systems that leave no one behind. Fifth, economic transformation and job creation must be accelerated. Africa must adopt pro-employment industrial policies, invest in value addition, and develop regional value chains especially minerals and natural resources, to spur inclusive and resilient growth. 6. Blue economy development is essential. Africa must harness aquatic and marine resources through inclusive maritime strategies and urgent action against marine pollution. Especially plastic waste. Excellencies, let us rise to this defining moment by building a united, inclusive, resilient Africa. Let us honor the voices from Kampala and across the continent by translating commitments into action. Together we can build the Africa and the world we want—prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable. I thank you for God and my country.

Thank you, Honourable Prime Minister, for your reflections and for underscoring, inter alia, Africa's united call for bold leadership, financing reform, and inclusive development to accelerate both the SDGs and Agenda 2063, especially through job creation, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. I thank you once again, Honourable Prime Minister. I now turn to the Arab Regional Forum. Deputy Prime Minister Tamim, the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development continues to be held under a challenging regional context. What regional priorities were identified and what examples of regional cooperation have emerged? I yield the floor to you, sir.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

In the name of God, the most merciful and gracious. Ladies and gentlemen, excellencies, Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you. It is my pleasure to address you today and my honor to represent the Arab Regional Group at a critical and defining moment for our Arab region with intersecting political, social, economic, and climate crises. This necessitates that we shoulder serious responsibilities and redouble our cooperation. Recent regional and international reports including ESCWA reports, the messages of the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development 2025, and other reports have shown that the region is at a crossroads that requires a fundamental shift in our development mindset and our mechanisms for collective action. The challenges before us are clear: continued conflict and institutional fragility in a number of Arab countries which impedes development efforts, deep social inequality as tens of millions are deprived of education, health, and safe drinking water; high rates of unemployment, especially among women and the youth, and poor participation in the economy; increased impact of climate change and water scarcity, which threatens food insecurity and heightens inequality; and a funding gap that amounts to nearly $660 billion annually, and debt crises which hinder the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Therefore, the Arab Sustainable Development Forum for 2025 has delineated a number of pathways forward, including investing in human capacities for all categories and striving to preserve diversity in our social fabrics. Providing for financial sustainability for social protection programs and widening the fiscal space available for social spending through innovative mechanisms, including turning debts into development investments, having a just and fair financial and global finance system that alleviates debts and fights illicit financial flows and guaranteeing financial inclusion as a cross-cutting priority, including through increasing financial awareness and putting legislations that are inclusive of marginalized groups and implementing critical policies that support employment and remove all hindrances that are social or legal in nature that prevent women's participation in the economy and redistributing all unpaid care work as well as putting clear and comprehensive frameworks to manage the digital transition, including the ethical use of AI, and creating regional data centers. Ladies and gentlemen, the countries of the regional group, including Iraq, are committed to rebuilding institutions and enhancing social protection and empowering marginalized groups and enhancing the green and digital economy. And we call for international partnerships in this regard. Enhancing trade cooperation and enhancing interlinkages and infrastructures and joint policies are all key steps that we need to take in order to turn these challenges into prosperity. We must make the Arab Vision 2045 and Agenda 2030 a turning point towards a new social contract in our region that ends marginalization, entrenches human rights, and unleashes the potential of our youth. Thank you very much, and peace and blessings of God. Salamu alaykum.

I thank the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister for his reflections and for illustrating the importance of both inter- and intra-regional cooperation in light of the intersection of crises, as well as the need for a paradigm shift in the mindset for collective development and enhancing infrastructure to achieve the SDGs, amongst other recommendations. I thank you. Deputy Prime Minister. We'll now shift to the Asia-Pacific Regional Forum. Your Excellency Suman Berry, while the Asia-Pacific region has made notable progress, it remains off track to achieve the SDGs. What are the key priorities that emerged from the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development on how regional cooperation and inclusive how science-based solutions can help accelerate progress and ensure no one is left behind. You have the floor.

Thank you, moderator. Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, organized by the UN's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, ESCAP, in Bangkok from the 25th to the 28th of February, 2025. As you noted, the theme was Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive Science and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for Leaving No One Behind in Asia and the Pacific. Governments, intergovernmental organizations, UN bodies, international organizations, and major groups and other stakeholders shared their perspectives on the progress, implementation, and challenges confronting the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the region. The key messages of the Forum were that progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific is off track and must be accelerated, Through strengthened national commitment, increased investment, and solutions that address the region's diversity and promote more responsible consumption and production, and of course ensure a just transition, strong regional cooperation on financing for development, digital transformation, and intergenerational equity backed by inclusive access to technology, building on the Pact for the Future can enable countries to turbocharge progress towards the goal. The Asia-Pacific region's leadership in digital innovation offers opportunities to bridge divides, but inclusive access to technology and skills must be ensured. At the same time, strengthening primary healthcare for universal coverage, advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment that challenges norms, strengthens laws, and closes Data gaps and building a resilient and inclusive workforce for women and youth is crucial. For many countries in our region, especially Pacific Small Island Developing States , urgent support is needed to build climate resilience and ensure sustainable ocean management. This demands greater investment, stronger data and governance, and deeper regional cooperation to protect marine biodiversity. The Forum hosted 5 parallel roundtables on Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17, each of which reviewed achievements towards each goal and suggested areas of engagement. 57 side and related events were organized, with the contributions of Member States, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. The Forum underscored that inclusive and evidence-based voluntary national reviews with strong stakeholder engagement from government, the private sector, civil society and academia are crucial for assessing progress towards the goals and identifying gaps, as well as for data-driven decision-making. The Forum served as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the SDGs. To achieve sustainable development, urgent accelerated actions are needed, supported by strong national ownership that is complemented by sustained international cooperation. In this context, the strategic role of regional commissions such as ESCAP is vital. As the convener of the APFSD, ESCAP provides a unique platform for regional dialogue peer learning, and offers proactive support to Member States to accelerate SDG implementation and close gaps in delivery. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency, for your insights and for emphasizing the Asia-Pacific region's urgent need for inclusive, science-based action, stronger digital access, and regional cooperation to close the the SDG gaps, particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable coastal communities. Distinguished delegates, let us now turn to the UNECE region, which spans exclusively high and middle-income economies. Yet also in this region, SDG progress has been lagging. To you, Deputy Minister, I ask: Why do you think this is? And secondly, what has been the approach of the regional forum in Geneva to tackle this situation? And I would also take the liberty now to ask to the co-chair of the UNECE region, because given the time constraints, I would have them pass the floor to each other. But my question to you, Ambassador Gikas, there have been two two keywords that characterize the regional forum in Geneva: solutions and partnerships. What, in your view, are some of the solutions and entry points for policy action that the forum has identified? And as we are between the FFD4 conference and the World Social— World Summit for Social Development, what insights have the discussions on financing for on sustainable development and social development generated. I yield the floor to you, Deputy Minister, first.

Thank you very much, Madam Moderator. Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the UN Economic and Social Council for inviting us and establishing this vital platform that fosters constructive dialogue, enhances regional cooperation, and facilitates peer learning. We gather at challenging times., with just 5 years remaining until 2030, and regional cooperation, solidarity, and knowledge sharing are more important than ever. Talking about the UNSE region, only 21 targets are on track for 2030, leaving 84 targets requiring acceleration and 20 needing reversal. Talking about the improvements we have in terms of the poverty reduction and basic services, educational infrastructure, safe drinking water, access to energy health services, housing, and basic services. On the other hand, obviously, we have a data challenge. We can only measure about 63% of global SDGs indicators region-wide, limiting our ability to pinpoint gaps and successes. Yes, and if you look at targets which are not on track or where reversal needed, one should mention food security, road safety, early childhood development and teacher qualification, climate policy gaps, biodiversity, domestic revenue mobilization, and development cooperation, policy space, and tax collection. Here, investment in data systems, the skill capacity, and the national reporting platforms is urgent. Without them, we won't know what's working or falling behind. And similarly, just like in good macroeconomic models should be based on good macroeconomic foundations, the Regional Voices is not complete without National Voices. So in this case, some positive change, for example, in Uzbekistan, which advanced in 19 positions in Global ESG Index and was ranked among the top 5 fastest progressing countries worldwide, also can be highlighted. In terms of another point is, of course, the issue of financing, and here we acknowledge the role of private capital, and this message is also echoed in the civil commitment and the to expect for the future as well. And then the financing gap and all other points have been mentioned already. And of course, one should emphasize the green transition where, with development of MRV systems, with LTCs, long-term decarbonization strategy, is also vitally important. Here I would like to pass to my co-chair. Please.

So thanks so much, and it's a real honor to participate in this important discussion on behalf of the European region together with the minister. Now, as previous speakers have said, the progress on achieving our SDGs is dramatically slow, and that's the bad news. But the good news is that there are solutions, and at the UNESCO Regional Forum we discussed these solutions, and we saw that there is no lack of solutions, and the evidence shows this and the data shows this. What we need to do is share the word and implement these solutions. And the European region has a special role to play in this regard. This was a general conclusion of the forum. Now, we also discussed the role of key technologies such as AI and digitalization. These are key in so many fields, in improving government services, in medicine, in education, etc. But we also discussed the need to really address in an effective way the risks associated with these technologies and particularly with AI. Financing was another key part of the discussion. To strengthen financing, a number of key factors were identified. First of all, we need to strengthen cooperation between the public and the private actors, and this can be done also through blended finance. Then we need to adopt SDG financing frameworks. We need to connect capital providers with capital seekers, especially at the local level. The local level was another point which was central to the discussions, the importance of engaging the local level and the whole of society. And in general on financing, broadening the use of innovative financial instruments. Now, with its financial infrastructure and expertise, The European region is well placed to support the implementation of the FFD4 outcomes and the compromise we found in Seville. Also, in view of the Second World Summit for Social Development, discussions focused on addressing social challenges and particularly on using key enablers such as inclusive education and empowering women, crucial factors to achieve our SDGs. We also discussed how to ensure universal and accessible healthcare, strengthen social protection systems, and emphasize the decent work agenda. So, to conclude, there are solutions. We need to discuss them and we need to implement them. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellencies. Thanks for your clear-eyed assessment of the UNEC's region's SDG challenges. And your emphasis on forward-looking, solution-driven collaboration, highlighting the vital role of multi-stakeholder partnerships, digital innovation, and sustainable financing as key levers to accelerate progress and implementation. And indeed, while we are off track and far off track on SDGs, we are not short of solutions. So hope is not lost. Thank you. Now, lastly but certainly not least, we turn to my very own region. Director-General Rubio, despite notable efforts across the region, progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remain insufficient to achieve the set targets by 2030. What concrete actions best practices and lessons learned were identified at the 8th meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development to accelerate SDG attainment in the final 5 years of the 2030 Agenda. You have the floor, Director-General.

Muchas gracias, Presidenta. Thank you very much. Madam President, delegates, very good morning. Peru, in its role as chair of the 8th meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, which took place in Santiago at ECLAC headquarters from the 31st of March to the 4th of April this year, is very pleased to share the messages which emerged from our region. The forum was centered at— was built around three levels: dialogues for global action, regional action, and national action, always with a multi-stakeholder approach. From the global perspective, the region was able to make progress with its consensus-based position for major international fora. As part of the dialogues for regional action, the Executive Secretary of ECCLAC presented a document entitled Latin America and the Caribbean and the 2030 Agenda: 5 Years Before the Goal—How to Manage Transformations to Accelerate Progress. This identified 3 development traps which hold back faster progress towards the attainment of the SDGs. These are namely: 1, low capacity for growth; 2, high inequality, low social mobility, and weak social cohesion; and 3, weak institutional capacities, and ineffective governance. To accelerate progress, ECLAC suggests 5 areas where efforts should be focused: 1, better collaboration between stakeholders in developing and implementing public policies; 2, harnessing technical, operational, political, and forecasting capacities for institutions in charge of policies; 3, promoting dialogue spaces for social dialogue between institutions and key stakeholders in each area. 4, political economy of reforms and transformations, ensuring that coalitions are formed to overcome resistance to necessary change. And finally, the challenge of financing, including the mobilization of domestic resources and the possibilities of reforming the international financial architecture. In recommendations linked to the SDGs, we could highlight SDG 3 recommendation, strengthening primary healthcare by incorporating new technologies and professional capacities and increasing the public budget for the health sector. SDG 5, gender equality, highlighting the need to implement normative progress and overcome structural gaps to ensure women women's empowerment and the elimination of gender-based violence. SDG 8, economic growth and decent work, highlighting the importance of reducing informality in the labor sector and investing in human capital. As well as SDG 14, life below water, highlighting the importance of extending marine protected areas to combat illegal fishing and promote the circular economy to reduce plastic pollution. Finally, I'd like to touch on SDG 17, Uniting for the Goals, which highlighted the importance of international cooperation, resource mobilization, and the implementation of coordinated policies. Following the forum, an outcome document featuring conclusions and recommendations was approved, which highlighted the steadfast commitment of our countries to accelerate the attainment of the SDGs, reaffirming that the eradication of poverty continues to be a major global challenge, the largest global challenge, and sine qua non for reaching sustainable development. President Perú would like to thank ECLAC for offering our region this important space at multilateral level, and I'd like to refer to paragraph 126 of the conclusions document I referred to, which our countries recognize the importance of ECLAC to sustainable development given its capacity to convene people to bring— its contribution to the design analysis of policy recommendations and its support for capacity building for its member states. All of which highlights the importance of ensuring sufficient resources from the regular budget so that it can discharge its mandate. Finally, I'd like to stress the region's commitment to multilateralism and the promotion of an international development agenda which is focused on on social inclusion, sustainability, and cooperation. I'd like to call upon all stakeholders to step up progress towards the attainment of the SDGs. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency, for your report and highlighting tripartite action analysis at the global, regional, and local levels, the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement throughout, and the need to overcome structural UNFPA, UNHCR, and UNHCR maps, among others. Thank you very much. Before wrapping up, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to invite our lead discussant, Mr. Faisal Al Fadel, Secretary General of the Saudi Green Building Forum. Mr. Al Fadel brings a vital civil society perspective, emphasizing the role of the private sector, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability in advancing the SDGs. His insights help us to connect regional and national actions with the contributions of citizens and stakeholders. You have the floor, sir.

Madam President, Deputy Vice President of the ECOSOC, ladies and gentlemen, the questions we address today are no coincidence. They reflect an urgent need to accelerate action and ensure our commitment to scalable, replicable SDG solutions across regions. It is a direct call to action, one that demands shared responsibility, collective innovation, and bold regional leadership. The true challenge is not the lack of solutions, but the absence of trusted frameworks that can document, validate, and scale local successes across regions. How many pioneering initiatives remain in the shadows, invisible, unsupported, and unable to scale? This is how the SAF framework was developed— a system rooted in local realities, designed for regional application, led by civil society, and aligned with international standards. Madam President, our mission is clear: to transform local solutions into certified and transferable achievements, to convert individual initiatives into structured regional momentum, to move sustainability from rhetoric to measurable impactful results on the ground. We do not admire success from a distance, but we document it, certify it, and replicate it where it's needed most. From green schools to climate-resilient parks, from desert afforestation to buildings that conserve energy and water. Every project certified is a local story with global significance and replicable potential. A success story. Take the Green Qasim Land Initiative. Over 5 million trees planted, hundreds of green jobs created, and a full urban transformation. This is no longer just a local achievement due to being documented. It is a regional model for advancing climate action through decent work and economic growth. But we do not walk this path alone. The Saudi Green Initiative is now aligned with the Middle East Green Initiative, and today the initiative is open to all. Let us shape the future together by call to action to all champions, to those who see green jobs not as a future option but as a present necessity, to those who believe that education is not a complementing factor to transformation, that it is the engine, to those who built partnerships based on trust, transparency, and shared accountability. Let us not end another year in isolated innovation. Together with partners supporting member states across the public and private sectors is— are ready. Our regional platforms have proven effective. Our hands are extended. Our vision is clear and our mission is shared. Let us connect, collaborate, and lead the next transformation together. I thank you.

I thank you very much, Mr. Al-Fadhil, for your thought-provoking intervention and call to action. With that, we're at the concluding phase of this interactive panel, and I want to thank all our panelists and our lead discussant for sharing such rich, thoughtful, and forward-looking contributions. What we have heard today highlights both the diversity and the commonality of regional experiences. Regions are at the forefront of implementing integrated, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions, translating global ambitions into local realities. As we have heard across all regions this morning, the urgency to accelerate SDG implementation in the final 5 years to 2030 is a shared reality. Yet the regional perspectives also demonstrate that solutions are within reach, provided we mobilize bold leadership, inclusive partnerships, and targeted investments. Across the region, speakers highlighted the need to reform global financing frameworks to close persistent gaps, scale up innovative mechanisms such as Green and Diaspora Bonds, and connect capital to the local needs. Evident-based, locally grounded, and inclusive approaches anchored in strong institutions. Gender equality, youth empowerment, and digital transformation are key to ensuring that no one is left behind. The role of regional platforms, including the regional forums, remains indispensable as conveners of peer learning, coherence, and innovation aligned with the Pact for the Future and upcoming Global Summits. On behalf of the panel, I thank you all for your engagement and commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda through regional cooperation and leadership. It is now incumbent on me and my pleasure to return the floor to His Excellency, the Vice President of ECOSOC. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Moderator. I also have a tough challenge behind— in front of me, because we have half an hour for the interactive discussion, which probably means— and I'm very sorry to announce it from the very beginning— that unfortunately, due to time constraints, it will be impossible to hear from all those wishing to intervene. So I'm very sorry for that, but that's the time realities. And I will also ask the delegation to please respect the time limit for the intervention in this discussion, which is 3 minutes for the intervention from the floor of the ministers, ministerial level, and 2 minutes for the other interventions. Please bear in mind that this time limit may be— it will be counted by the clock and visible on the screen. To alert speakers when the time is concluded to conclude their statements, and the microphone will be automatically cut off by the system when the— deactivated immediately just because of the time constraints. And to ensure the proper interpretation, delegations are asked to speak in a normal pace and to provide a written copy of their statements by email to the e-statements@un.org, at least— oh, but that's already done. Okay, saying so, and please be reminded about the time constraints because we have a really tough challenge. First, I ask the— I would— it's my pleasure to ask for the— to give the floor to the distinguished representative, the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria, His Excellency Zhetko Stankov. Minister, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, dear participants. My country Bulgaria is committed to support SDGs implementation at regional level and considers it critical for the ensuring economic prosperity, security, enhanced connectivity, and long-term stability in Southeastern Europe and wider Black Sea area. This is reflected into the motto Compass towards Stability, Security and Sustainability of Bulgaria's Southeast European Cooperation Process chairmanship in office, which Bulgaria holds till 30th of June 2026. The priorities of Bulgaria's Southeast European Cooperation Process chairmanship will focus on 4 main topics. First, European integration of the Southeast European Cooperation Process countries. Second, competitiveness and human capital. Third, regional connectivity, energy sustainability, and sustainable economic growth. And fourth, strengthening resilience and countering hybrid threats. Bulgaria also assumed on 1st of July this year, 2025, the rotating 6-month chairmanship of the Organization for the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. Bulgaria is dedicated to promoting regional cooperation and addressing key challenges under the motto Collective Commitment in the Black Sea Region, which will focus on environmental protection and sustainable management of marine resources, on cooperation in culture, in education, and in tourism, on regional sustainability and crisis management, and on cooperation with the European Union and other international and regional interlocutors. In closing, to be short, Bulgaria's regional policy stands for promoting confidence, stability, and security in the wider Black Sea region. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Minister of Bulgaria, and now I give the floor to His Excellency Minister in Charge of Energy and Infrastructure and Eurasian Economic Commission of Belarus. Minister Kozachev, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to welcome on behalf of the EAEU Commission, which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The 2030 Agenda was the catalyst for our countries. The experience of the EAEU has shown that the UN's message is true, that together with national efforts, the impact is high in terms of the regional dimension of the 2030 Agenda. When looking at the integration in the EAEU and the achievement by its— by the member states of the goals, we have some statistics to report. Uh, six— so we have achieved, uh, some experience and it can be used by other regional economic integration structures. The EAEU is for equal dialogue and integration structures. We have shared best regulatory practices and we are working with other key integration entities and other specialized organizations. A system— systemic key to supporting sustainable economic growth is the law of the Union. It's developing dynamically, and we have achieved a strong dynamic in terms of achieving the SDGs. To achieve a broad range of SDGs, we are going to launch measures for the future development of the Union which are laid out in the strategic areas of development of Eurasian economic integration by 2025. And we're going to be focusing on SDGs that have to do with socio-environmental and the scientific and technological factors. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Minister of Belarus and now I give the floor to Her Excellency Tatjana Matsura, the Minister for Gender Equality of Serbia, to be followed by Bangladesh.

Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honour to address you today on behalf of the Republic of Serbia, which holds the Presidency of the Central European Initiative in 2025. During our presidency, we have placed particular focus on four key priorities: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, connectivity, and labor migration, all of which are essential to build a resilient and sustainable future for our region. We are proud that CEI has had observer status in the United Nations General Assembly since 2011, and that the most recent resolution on UN-CEI cooperation was adopted by Kensington in December 2024. This confirms our strong alignment with the 2030 Agenda. In the area of gender equality, which is my area of focus, projects such as BioLogic create inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities for women, thus contributing to their economic empowerment. In Serbia, women make up over 40% of entrepreneurs, a figure that inspires optimism but also motivates us to continue working toward complete gender equality, especially in the economic sphere where equality is tested most visibly. Women also account for 60% of researchers at scientific institutes in Serbia. We are committed to helping unlock the full potential, full potential of our female scientists. Given the importance that Serbia as a CEI member attaches to technological and scientific innovation, special attention is being paid to science diplomacy. Starting in July 2025, the CEI will chair the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance, further reinforcing our regional cooperation in the fields of knowledge and innovation. I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that my office, together with the United Nations Serbia, will organize the conference Belgrade Belgrade RISE 2025 dedicated to the empowerment of women on September 30th with the participation of the relevant ministries, business community, and international organizations where representatives of all Central European initiatives and friends are invited. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished Minister of Serbia and now I give the floor to His Excellency, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance of Bangladesh, Minister Chowdhury. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President and Excellencies. You may know at this moment my country is mourning the premature death of lives of small children, school children, due to a tragic accident. Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight how Bangladesh has worked closely with the Economic Commission for Asia and the Pacific, ESCAP, and other member states in our region to advance the SDGs through regional cooperation, policy innovation, and inclusive partnership. One of the most significant barriers to achieving the SDGs is the gap in data availability and quality. To address this critical Data gaps. The UN and the Government of Bangladesh have initiated a collaborative effort to strengthen the national data ecosystem. A multi-stakeholder workshop on SDG data gaps was jointly organized by Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, ASCAP, UN Women, and Resident Coordinator's Office. This initiative integrated administrative data and leveraged civil society organization expertise to ensure inclusive SDG reporting while exploring innovations such as big data analysis, machine learning, and GIS tools to enhance data collection and use. Leave No One Behind is the central transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs. ESCAP delivered training for LNOB analysis in Bangladesh to support the government to use a user-friendly diagnostic tool called Leave No One Behind platform. The tool used data and statistics at national and subnational levels to identify groups those left farther behind and the circumstances which were highlighted in Bangladesh's VNR we presented last week. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative minister of Bangladesh, and now I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Boris Titov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organizations, for achieving the SDGs. Minister, the floor is yours.

Good morning, distinguished chair, participants. The recently published report, which is called the Sustainable Development Report 2025, revealed a concerning fact: none of the top 30 countries in achieving the SDGs are from the Global South. This highlights a systemic disparity. It appears that the current SDG framework is primarily serving the interests of the global North, which is focusing on its own priorities without providing sufficient support to the South. One thing is clear here: we need to do everything that we can to ensure that the 2030 agendas are implemented both globally and regionally. Russia is prepared to make its contribution. We've stated repeatedly about the tax platform for small businesses which can provide an impetus for creating jobs and mobilizing the domestic resources of our country for the budget and to achieve the SDGs. But in order to consider the advantages and disadvantages and not to repeat the mistakes of the past, we need to begin shaping a post-2030 agenda which extends all the way up to 2050. We need to move away from abstract declarations Instead, we need to address specific global challenges: climate change, geopolitical instability, especially the problems in the Global South, the demographic pressures in the Global South, health threats, including the threats of pandemic. All these need to be addressed. Other issues need to be resolved in accordance with, um, nationally, regionally, or through private initiatives. The future SDGs need to be actionable and include clear KPIs, manageability, and pre-identified financing sources. This work is already underway in global regional integration organizations and others. For example, there's the GDI, Global Development Initiative of China with over 100 countries, including Russia. There's the UAE's XDG program bringing together experts from over 40 countries, and efforts are underway in the Eurasian Economic Union and the SCO and BRICS. We call upon the UN to take an active role and propose establishing a, a working group for the SDGs for the the SDGs up until 2050. We invite governments, businesses, experts, and civil society to join in developing a realistic collective sustainable development agenda.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished Minister of Russian Federation, and now I give the floor to Her Excellency Ambassador of Chile to be speaking on behalf of the group of Latin American and Caribbean countries. You got the 3 minutes.

Thank you so much, Mr. Vice President. Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay, Venezuela, and my own country, Chile. We wish to begin by reaffirming the indispensable role of the United Nations Regional Commission as engines for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through their convening power, analytical expertise, and capacity for tailored technical assistance, the commissions provide a unique bridge between global frameworks and regional realities. As platforms for cooperation, peer learning, policy convergence, and multi-stakeholder engagement, they help ensure that global commitments are translated into effective and context-specific action. In Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC has been particularly instrumental in promoting comprehensive approaches that address structural development gaps, encourage inclusive economic transformation, and foster regional collaboration in critical areas such as financing for development, social inclusion, gender equality, digital transformation, and climate action. These efforts not only contribute to accelerated SDGs implementation but also strengthen the resilience to emerging challenges. The Regional Forums on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the regional commissions have further proven to be key spaces for articulating regional perspectives, generating innovative solutions, and scaling up partnerships. These processes underscore their unique and continued value in shaping coherent policies and fostering cross-regional learning in line with shared global goals. Excellencies, the upcoming UN AD process is an opportunity to build a more coherent, efficient, and impactful United Nations. Any reform must safeguard the resources and mandates of entities that consistently deliver results on the ground, especially for developing countries. A coherent and adequately supported development pillar, of which the Regional Commissions are a key component, will be critical to achieving a just and sustainable future. Their longstanding mandates, institutional memory, and ability to anchor cross-border collaboration position them uniquely to coordinate the efforts of regional UN actors. We reaffirm our full commitment to working closely with the Regional Commissions to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and ensure no one is left behind. Thank you.

I thank the Permanent Representative of Chile. And now I would like us all to hear from the representative of our stakeholder group, the persons with disabilities. Please, the floor is yours.

Gracias. Thank you, President. I am delighted to address this session of the High-Level Political Forum on regional perspectives for SDG implementation on stakeholder group of persons with disabilities. Inclusive development for persons with disabilities requires us to close an enormous equity gap affecting more than a billion people and their families, to strengthen progress towards the SDGs and ensure inclusive growth through an intersectional approach. Inclusion should be a reality for all persons with disabilities, particularly those belonging to underrepresented groups such as women, children and youth with disabilities. As was highlighted in the report on Disability and Development 2024, to achieve the SDGs for and with persons with disabilities, we will need to accelerate current rates of progress between 2 and 65-fold, depending on the goal in question. Closing these significant gaps requires efforts from all interested parties at all levels, including at regional level. We welcome the concrete commitments entered into at the Global Disability Summit in April this year, in which many regional organizations, regional development banks, UN entities, and national governments all took part there. We also welcomed the fact that the Regional Commission of the United Nations have been compiling regional data on persons with disabilities. There's a need for additional data to ensure more effective budget allocations, which have have a greater impact and which are more inclusive of disability to allow organizations of persons with disabilities to properly play their critical role for accountability as well as correcting critical data blind spots. This was a message underscored by members of the stakeholder group of persons with disabilities at our— at the recent 4th International Conference on Financing for Development. In these difficult times, our message is clear. We need to ground our collective commitment in the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities with a human rights-based approach for inclusive development for persons with disabilities. As highlighted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, inclusion of persons with disabilities isn't just a fundamental human right, it's also a key promise which is part of the 2030 Agenda. We therefore call upon all interested parties, including the regional commissions of the United Nations, to step up progress towards full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to achieve the SDGs for and with persons with disabilities themselves. Thank you, Chair.

President. Representative of the Persons with Disabilities Group. And due to time constraints, we just can accommodate 3 more intervention from the member states 2 minutes and that would be Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Poland. And that's— unfortunately, and I'm really sorry to— for all the other members that asked for the floor and the stakeholders, but that's the times, unfortunately, that's the problem. So Saudi Arabia first, then Mexico and Poland, and that would be it for 2 minutes each. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. I don't think that we're suffering from a lack of ambition today. We're suffering from a lack of clarity, clarity about what we need to undertake first and about how we can translate this into concrete terms. And that's very obvious when we see the tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the Middle East. We're witnessing suffering that is beyond all imagination, which has destroyed the hopes of an entire generation. Arab development does not limit to— is not limited to only the SDGs. It should define our priorities, the priorities we're working on. We're proud because we have a new approach, a model for our country to achieve the implementation of our goals and to analyze impact as well. We need discipline for innovation, for partnerships, for resource mobilization. This can provide a added value. And that's what the regional commissions can do, not only as platforms for dialogues, but to, to implement our ambitions and to look at concrete evidence. This can ensure harmonization among various models across borders. We call for a consideration of national priorities with long-term goals. We stand ready to engage in partnerships to achieve this transformation.

Saudi Arabia. And now I give the floor to the representative of Mexico. Madam Mayor, the floor is yours.

Senoras y señores. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegations. In a global context overshadowed by climate change and persisting inequalities, cities play a key role in building sustainable solutions from local level with global cooperation. In Mexico, we are convinced that to address these challenges, we can only— we need authentic alliances and effective coordination between parts of the government, organized citizens, and other stakeholders. Due to this, our network has decided to pursue an agenda based on essential rights. Including equitable and safe access to water. This has gained ground through participatory involvement to push ahead with SDG 17 so that this can become a set of good practices. Thanks to over 160 new alliances through participatory processes which have brought together more than 4,000 people, it was possible to prioritize 45 basic infrastructure interventions in the areas furthest from cities, allowing more than 17,000 inhabitants who had difficult access to drinking water to access fundamental rights. These efforts go above and beyond local level, seeking to reduce by 99% the untreated discharges into the Rio Bravo, the Bravo River, in a body of water which doesn't divide Mexico but rather actually joins Mexico to the USA. This has also taken the form of cross-border cooperation and we've sought to reduce drinking water consumption by industrial installations. This has been made possible under the government of Claudia Sheinbaum's government. The microphone is cut off.

Thank you, Representative of Mexico, for her intervention. And now I give the floor to Poland for the final word.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Poland appreciates the crucial discussion on the regional level action that will support countries in effectively implementing the SDGs. Poland believes that to implement the 2030 Agenda successfully, it is essential to utilize existing framework for cooperation between countries fully. In this context, regional cooperation such as European Union can play a significant role providing a platform for policy coordination, experience sharing, and harmonization of actions. Through joint action development strategies, countries can better align their national plans with regional priorities and ensure coherence in infrastructure, the economy, and environmental protection. Equally important is developing financing mechanisms such as regional development banks and dedicated funds that can effectively support the growth by providing access to essential resources. Building the capacity of public administration and local communities to plan and implement SDGs-related projects is crucial. Investment in education, technology transfer, and social innovation fosters greater engagement among various stakeholders groups and enhances the sustainability of action. Regional cooperation in protecting natural resources, addressing climate change, and developing infrastructure brings long-term benefit to individual countries and regions. This is why regional solidarity and shared responsibility must be the foundation for accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland. We have heard the last speaker in the interactive discussion. Due to time constraints, I'm really sorry for those who were not able to— we were not able to accommodate the requests. And now we will hear the responses from the executive secretaries of the regional commissions. And colleagues, that should be bullet point responses. Each of you has got just 2 minutes. 2 minutes for your main, I would say, observations straight to the point. So saying so, and unfortunately the mic will be muted also for you after 2 minutes. So saying so, I first give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa and the Coordinator of the UN Regional Commissions. Claver, the floor is yours. 2 minutes.

Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it's a privilege to contribute to this critical dialogue on regional perspectives for accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. With just 5 years remaining until 2030, it is evident that our current trajectory is not sufficient, especially as the world reels from cascading crises —from climate shocks and debt distress to a weakening multilateral system. Yet, even in these difficult times, regions have emerged as a driving force to turn shared challenges into shared solutions. But how can regional cooperation deliver real transformation? From the perspective of the Economic Commission for Africa, 5 interlinked priorities offer a pathway. First, we must strengthen regional platforms that facilitate collaboration, accountability, and learning. For example, the Africa Regional Forum for Sustainable Development, organized annually by the Economic Commission for Africa in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and UN partners, has become a key mechanism for peer learning and policy alignment. Across the continent. Second, regional frameworks must be fully leveraged to align national and continental priorities. Too often we see fragmentation between global, regional, and national agendas. Accordingly, through technical support and policy dialogue, ECA is assisting member states to develop national action plans and reflect regional priorities and foster coherence across development frameworks. Third, regional institutions must lead in innovating financing solutions to close the SDG investment gap. Indeed, Africa faces a significant annual SDG financing shortfall of up to $1.3 trillion.

Claver, the microphone was off. Give us just the two remaining points, okay? Can we just switch the mic on and just Because you have 5 and you got 3. Okay, just 2. Sure.

Fourth, regional commissions play a critical role in building the evidence base for informed decision-making. And finally, coherence between regional and country-level support must be institutionalized to achieve lasting impact. ECA has launched a new strategy to strengthen coordination with UN Resident Coordinators and unique country teams. Excellencies, I wish to reiterate that beyond this forum, the Road to 2030 will be shaped by how we support regional collaboration and national implementation in every corner of our continent. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

I thank the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Africa. That was very important. Now I give the floor for 2 minutes to Madame Tatiana Molzéan, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe.

Thank you so much, and I'll try to be very brief. And I would like to pick on some of the important points that were raised by the speakers, by the member states in particular, and that is that the bottom line is that we are lagging behind on SDG progress, and it goes throughout all regions, including in EC, as it was highlighted by the moderator, that we have high-income countries and developed countries. At the same time, we have not only one but several powerful enablers at our disposal that can make a difference even in the relatively short time that we have left until 2030: technology and innovation, financing, and also dynamic partnerships like cities. I think the mayor or the representative of Mexico mentioned that. I would also like to stress the role of the civil society and youth, who have really an important role to play in finding and implementing policy solutions. UNICEF, like all the other regional commissions, is very active in advancing the key SDGs and being an enabler and bringing together the relevant players. The regional forums in our regions are a testament to this. We have a strong mandate to co-create and implement standards and policy with governments, business experts, and civil society. To unlock the financing for the SDGs, we must bring together the public and private sector. So I would like to draw the attention once again on the public-private partnerships, and this is a key priority in EUC region. Also, I would like to underline the great importance of the local level, the cities. As we was said, policies and actions in cities directly affect the people living there, and in EUC we have created this forum of mayors that brings together mayors. Last, I would like just to praise all our co-chairs and the member states who contributed to meaningful and coherent regional forum. Thank you so much.

Perfect. I thank the Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Europe. And now I give the floor to Madam Marisa Youssef, representing the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates, and colleagues. As highlighted by the Chair of the Arab Forum, war, instability, and rising debt levels continue to limit the ability of Arab countries to finance sustainable development and progress on the SDGs. Structural impediments at the national level and within the global financial architecture, including risk-inflated borrowing costs for low-income countries, illicit financial flows, inadequate international climate funding, and decreasing foreign aid, constitute significant stumbling blocks. In response, we are supporting member states maximize public spending efficiency and formulating country-owned integrated national financing frameworks, Our interactive policy simulation tools leverage the use of artificial intelligence and supervised machine learning to help member states monitor social expenditures, optimize public investment, and produce tailored financing solutions. Our Climate SDG Debt Swap mechanism is helping countries convert foreign debt service payments into domestic investments in climate-resilient projects through collaborative arrangements between debtors creditors and donors. But we cannot do this alone. Reforms to the international financial architecture are critical. To build collective negotiating strength on issues of debt reform, ESCWA established the Arab Debt Management Group, and we supported member states as they prepared for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, ensuring that Arab priorities in debt relief, domestic resource mobilization, equitable taxation, and combating illicit financial flows are represented in the Sevilla Commitment. Going forward, ESCWA is committed to facilitate the regional implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, including the rollout of the Borrowers' Forum, which will be vital in giving developing countries a stronger collective voice in global debt governance. This is one example of the Commission's core strength: the ability to convene, coordinate, and drive policy innovation. Thank you.

Perfect. I thank Madame Yousef from the Social Economic Commission for Western Africa, and now I give the floor to Madame Arminda Salcia Alisabana, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific. Sorry for misspelling.

Mr. Vice President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, To complement Chair of the APFSD earlier, I would like to highlight that countries in the region stand at the confluence of three profound transitions, namely, a just energy transition is underway as a critical response to the escalating impact of climate change. Simultaneously, we are navigating a dramatic demographic transition. While some countries benefit from young population, others face rapid aging. And underpinning these shifts is the pervasive digital transformation and transition. We remain at the forefront of responding to these interconnected transitions. We believe shared knowledge, collective action, and regional cooperation are paramount to navigating this complex landscape. Allow me to highlight a few key initiatives. For the energy transition, we develop the NextSTEP tool, which helps policymakers make informed decisions to achieve SDG 7 emission reduction targets, as well as emission reduction targets. We also facilitated the regional dialogue on accelerating renewable energy deployment and fostered capacity building for green technology. On demographic shifts, we convened platforms for sharing best practices in social protection for aging population, and champion youth empowerment programs to ensure our young people are equipped for future challenges. On digital transformation, we are actively bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion across the Asia Pacific, as demonstrated by the commitments made at the Astana Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation and through initiatives such as the Asia Pacific Information Superhighway Initiative. These are just a few examples of how ESCAP, through your invaluable partnership, works to build—

I thank the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. And last but not least, I give the floor to His Excellency Mr. José Manuel Salazar Cinarix, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC. The floor is yours.

Thank you very much, esteemed ministers, authorities, colleagues, and friends. First of all, my profound thanks for the words of recognition and support from several delegations for the work of the Regional Economic Commissions, and in particular to the Permanent Representative of Chile for her statement on behalf of 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries recognizing our work and the work of ECLAC specifically. Thank you. Thank you very much. I have three brief points. First point: 10 years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean, only 23% of the goals are on track. In our region, the beginning of the 2030 Agenda in 2015 happened to coincide with the beginning of what we have called the region's second lost decade, a decade in which the average regional economic growth was only 0.9%, less than half the 2% growth— of the infamous lost decade of the '80s. And growth, of course, is very closely correlated with the two SDGs: poverty reduction and decent work creation. Latin America and the Caribbean managed to cut the poverty rate between 1990 and 2015 from 50% to 27%, almost by half. But this favorable trend stalled in the second lost decade, which also saw the lowest rate of job creation in six decades. The pandemic shock and cascading global crisis exacerbated the difficulties. Pandemic responses increased debt levels, which further restricted fiscal spaces. As we have said many times, more than debt distress, the region faces developmental distress. Second point, very brief. All these factors should lead us to acknowledge that powerful economic and non-economic forces over the last 10 years have shaped an environment that was inimical to SDG achievement. And this occurred despite the fact that countries in the region have been and continue to be admirably committed to the 2030 Agenda. Third and final point, in this context ECLAC supports member states to overcome developmental traps and to strengthen what we call the top capability.

Okay, thank you so much. We heard the third point, at least the beginning of the third point, so Thank you for that. And because that concludes the first part of our program of today, working this morning almost on time, and now briefly pause the meeting to allow the podium to be rearranged. And I invite the VNR presenters of Finland and the Philippines that will come soon to approach the podium and take the seats. Please remain seated for the next part of the program. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, Excellencies, colleagues, please take your seats. Those wishing to continue the conversation, please leave the room and, uh, so we can start promptly. Okay, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I invite the Forum now to resume its consideration of the sub-item C of Agenda Item 2, Voluntary National Reviews, and to hear two panel presentations. I'm pleased to welcome the distinguished presenters from Finland and the Philippines. Before we begin the presentation, I would like to appeal to the presenting countries and to the audience as well, please. Presentation— the presenters to adhere to the agreed 10 minutes per presentation. So as to allow sufficient time for all presenters as well as engagement from the other states and participants. I apologize in advance if we have to interrupt speakers, and I hope it will not come to reality because we will cooperate well. Given the number of the countries making VNR this year's— during this year's HPF, I believe that we all understand the need to be disciplined so to allow adequate time for presentations as well as interaction from the floor. Okay, I think we are ready to hear the first voluntary national review by Finland, and I invite His Excellency Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, to make a presentation. Excellency, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, friends of sustainable development. Finland's commitment to multilateral system with the United Nations at its core is unwavering. The UN is the only truly global platform for dialogue, and action to resolve the most pressing issues of our time. For small countries, the value of the UN is existential. The UN 80 reform must succeed in a way that strengthens, not weakens, the UN's ability to act. Mr. President, this year Finland was once again ranked as the happiest country in the world. We are happy. We are also topped the rankings in the Sustainable Development Report for the 5th time and scored 87%. I say this with humility. Because a lot remains to be done in my country as well. But I am confident in saying that the rankings are not mere coincidences. Over the past 80 years, Finland has made its way from a poor post-war country to an SDG champion. A high level of trust, a strong and well-functioning democracy, And institutions, the rule of law and security are fundamentals for well-being. Investing in gender equality and ensuring free education and universal healthcare have similarly been success factors in Finland's development story. Despite the high rankings, we still have a great deal of hard work ahead of us. I'm honored to present Finland's third voluntary national review. To you today. The SDGs are about leadership. Achieving them requires long-term political commitment at all levels. In my country, it has been responsibility of the Prime Ministers to coordinate national efforts towards sustainable development since 1993. Government measures and leadership are important, but concrete actions are taken by companies, civil society organizations, cities and municipalities, along with citizens. Finland also supports the implementation of SDGs through development cooperation and funding. Among other key themes, Finland's development cooperation focuses on the rights of the women and girls, including the sexual and reproductive reproductive health and rights, as well as education and climate action. Armed conflicts around the world are— are daring the resources needed for sustainable development. My country is unfortunately no exception. Russia's invasion in Ukraine and its imperial aspirations are forcing us to reallocate resources to safeguarding our security and national existence. Mr. President, I will now present more detailed findings. Sustainable economic growth is a key driver for achieving the SDGs. We have taken measures to strengthen preconditions for work, entrepreneurship, and investment. A strong economy makes it possible to invest in education, research, and development. This is key to creating cleaner solutions that put less burden on nature, the climate, and people. With this in mind, we have invested heavily in research and development and clean energy. Finland has made significant progress in advancing gender equality with women increasingly occupying leadership roles in political decision-making, public life, and the economy. For example, we have the second-highest number of women cabinet ministers in the world. Finland supports more equal parenthood and guaranteed access to early childhood education. The number of parent— parental leave days taken by fathers has doubled since 2022. However, Finland continues to struggle with gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and girls, as well as domestic violence. We have work to do. We have also taken action. Our new government action plan to gender equality includes a number of measures to combat gender-based violence in all its forms. We have set an ambitious goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2035. We believe this target is achievable. We see it not only as our responsibility but also as an opportunity. My government is committed to perceiving natural capital as a part of responsible economic policy and to halting biodiversity loss. Our aim is for the world to be able to utilize Finnish expertise in moving beyond reducing the carbon footprint to pioneering the environmental handprint. Mr. President, I have stressed the importance of participation by all of society. In this spirit, I am happy to give the floor to Katja Ter Horst, the CEO of Otokumpu Corporation, to present the views of Finnish businesses. After her, our youth delegate Jenni Palukka will speak about how young people see Finland's work to achieve the 2030 Agenda. Mr. President, we need to foster hope together if we want to be able to push forward. And most importantly, we must act to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you.

Thank you, Prime Minister. Distinguished delegates, it's really truly an honour to address this esteemed forum. The challenges we face today, from geopolitical instability to climate change, are immense, but so are the opportunities. The private sector, which I represent today, holds remarkable potential to lead transformative progress. Industries all over the world have critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. We have the ability to bring scalable solutions to the table solutions that actually bridge the ambition with action. From clean technologies to circular economy models, we are as companies with a global footprint show the— show how business that are rooted in very strong values can accelerate sustainability. At Autokumpu, we already today have 75% lower carbon footprint than the industry average. And we are now on a journey towards zero emission metals, demonstrating that industrial progress can go hand in hand with decarbonization. Our sustainable stainless steel can be found all over the world, from surgical equipment to skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building here in New York. So cross-sector collaboration, sustainable growth, and global partnerships are essential to achieving our shared goals. Companies, governments, and the civil society are called upon to co-create solutions to bring long-term resilience and promote inclusive development. These partnerships are vital for unlocking the innovation and transformative change that the world so very much urgently needs. So today I call upon my peers in private sector. Let's step up. Let's innovate. Let's partner. Let's lead across the borders and across the sectors. Together we can create lasting impact for both people and the planet.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Dear representatives, here's my ask for you. Please invite us young people in. Take notes when we speak. Ask for our input in your daily work. Take action when we provide constructive critique. And most importantly, let us collaborate on building more sustainable policies. I represent the Finnish Agenda 2030 Youth Group. We have been engaged in national sustainability efforts from within through our contributions to Finland's Voluntary National Review, by vice-chairing the Prime Minister-led National Commission on Sustainable Development, and by working closely with leaders across sectors. And I think this should be the baseline everywhere, since young people bring skills that institutions often lack, such as creative problem-solving, adaptability to rapidly changing environments, as well as ambition. Globally, Less than a fifth of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved by 2030. Clearly, the way things have been done is not delivering results fast enough. Different outcomes require different approaches. All over the world and in every room where decisions are prepared and made, So I repeat, invite young people in. Thank you.

I thank the Prime Minister of the happy Republic of Finland and his team for the presentation. And now the forum will hear the voluntary national review by the Philippines. Philippines. And I invite Her Excellency Rosemarie Edilion, Undersecretary for National Development Policy and Planning at the National Economic Development Authority in the Philippines, to make a presentation.

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, esteemed delegates, ladies and gentlemen, the Philippines is honored to present our fourth Voluntary National Review. Our delegation consists of officials from the Departments of Economy, Planning and Development, Labor and Employment, Foreign Affairs. We also have representatives from local government, civil society, and the youth, reflecting our whole-of-nation-plus approach to the SDGs. Our key messages: Between 2022 and 2024, the Philippines made significant progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The VNR is a key strategy whose formulation process helped to cultivate champions for the goals, and reporting to the HLPF has offered valuable opportunities for learning and education. Our Whole of Nation Plus approach, which is our innovative means of implementation, proved to be very effective given the importance and urgency of Agenda 2030.. And this year we reaffirm our strong commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, a future where no one is left behind. This graph shows our composite progress for each goal, blue for 2022 and red for 2024. We made remarkable progress in SDGs 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, and 2015, and more importantly, previously regressing goals—SDGs 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9—have since advanced. In the next slides, we discuss our sectoral accomplishments and what we have done to achieve this. In the social sector, we made significant progress in SDG 1, where lower-income groups saw their faster real income growth. SDG 2 saw a significant turnaround. We reduced stunting among children up to 5 years of age through convergent nutrition programs. Since last year, the coverage and duration of supplementary feeding in daycare centers and elementary schools have increased. SDG 5 saw stronger enforcement mechanisms and information campaigns pursuant to the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act. For SDG 3, we have yet to see the results of our paradigm shift in healthcare from curative to preventive and from a focus on health workers for service delivery to a collective responsibility for health. In environment sector, we saw moderate progress in SDGs 6, 7, and 5, while SDG 14 is on track. For SDG 12, In 2022, we developed the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production, which outlines key policies and strategies, including the Extended Producer Responsibility Act and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act. The economic sector largely recovered from the COVID-19-induced economic contraction. Employment rebounded swiftly, though concerns remain over job quality and sustainability. In response, we developed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan, which is a comprehensive labor market development strategy to future-proof the labor market and strengthen labor market governance. Progress in Goal 16 stems from new justice zones and improved threat detection. We continue to broaden national ID registration civil documentation, and inclusive service delivery, especially for Indigenous peoples and the underserved communities. Goal 17 saw a dip but remains on track. So where are we now? The 2024 SDG pace of progress shows that we are doing very well on Goals 12 and 14. Goals 3 and 11 regressed, while the rest are progressing but need accelerated Action. Now, after almost a decade of implementation, we report that our strategy is actually aligned with the action plan that we have set in motion during our first VNR back in 2016. We mainstreamed SDGs in the Philippine Development Plan and sectoral plans. We enhanced data and monitoring systems with innovations like SDG Watch, Pace of Progress, SDG platform, SpaceWeb, and then the community-based monitoring system. We institutionalized the subcommittee on the SDGs under the powerful Budget Committee of the Cabinet. We conducted planning workshops to formulate the subnational SDG catch-up plans and a stakeholders chamber roadmap and develop a program convergence budgeting to boost SDG financing. For this 2025 VNR, We highlight our Whole of Nation Plus approach, which promotes meaningful collaboration and partnerships among national and local governments, civil society, business, academia, and development partners, and utilizes innovative tools, foresight, and futures thinking. The video that follows elaborates further on these aspects. Play video, please.—

to build a sustainable future. We began with a blueprint, mobilized our team, and developed innovative implementation and monitoring mechanisms. Our design principle: a Whole of Nation Plus approach. A unified, inclusive, and future-focused pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Our blueprint: the Philippine Development Plan 2023. 2033 to 2028 places the SDGs front and center, aligning national priorities with global targets. This ensures that every policy and project is a step toward a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable nation. We mobilized a team empowered by strong institutional mechanisms. The Philippines Sub-Committee on the SDGs, chaired by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development ensures interagency coordination, policy coherence, and sustained momentum. Our subnational counterparts are critical members of this team. Technical assistance was provided to the subnational committees on the SDGs, helping them to align their own programs and projects with the SDGs that are lagging behind, creating tailored solutions that address local needs. Our team is made complete by our stakeholders. By establishing the Stakeholders Chamber at the national and subnational levels, the Philippines brings everyone to the table—private sector, CSOs, NGOs, and vulnerable groups—ensuring that voices are heard, contributions are valued, and partnerships are forged to drive real impact.

The establishment of the Stakeholders Chamber with CSOs, the private sector, is a very good sign that the government is actually opening up for civil society and private sector to participate in the push for the SDGs and Agenda 2030. This is a good time for us to really look at how we can participate, how we can engage.

Providing equitable access to primary healthcare has been central to CFF's mission since 2008. So we have created Karagatan Patrol, for instance, so that we can put together information and create this database to check whether or not there are illegal commercial fishing encroachments inside municipal waters, to check also the status of our coastal habitats and other important information for policy and decision-making processes.

To stay on track, the Philippine The Philippines implemented innovative solutions. We strengthened monitoring and evaluation with data-driven tools and inclusive reporting systems that enable decision-makers and citizens alike to measure progress and hold systems accountable.

The Philippines is a strong advocate of the Voluntary National Review, or VNR, process. Following our third review in 2022, we produced the the SDG Pace of Progress, a tool that measures our rate of progress toward achieving the SDGs by identifying which targets are on track for completion by 2030 and which require accelerated efforts.

Looking ahead, the Philippines embraced futures thinking, anticipating trends, exploring uncertainties, and preparing for multiple scenarios. The The aim is to ensure resilience, establish a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and achieve long-term sustainability. And through international cooperation, the Philippines shares best practices, taps into global expertise, and strengthens ties with development partners because sustainable development knows no borders. Together, as one nation with all sectors across Across all regions, the Philippines is accelerating the 2030 Agenda. Matalag, magigawa, at panatang makabuhay for all Filipinos!

I thank the— I'm the Secretary for National Development Policy and Planning. At the National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines for the presentation and the video. And we will now hear the comments and questions from States and other participants. Delegations who wish to intervene in the interactive discussion, including those who previously expressed their interest through the Group of Friends of the Voluntary National Reviews to ask questions to any of the VNR presentations just heard, are invited to press the microphone button on the console now. Before I give the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind the delegations to kindly limit their interventions to 2 minutes each, and that will be helped by the microphone disactivation. So I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark, to be followed by Switzerland and Sierra Leone.

Excellencies, colleagues, friends, Denmark congratulates the Government of Finland for presenting its voluntary national review. We commend Finland for its impressive national progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Ranking first globally is a testament to Finland's strong institutions, inclusive policies, and ambitious sustainability agenda. Finland is a founding member of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, where we have cooperated on integrating climate and economic policies. Your national target of climate neutrality by 2035 is very ambitious on global terms. In light of this, what concrete mechanism does Finland have to ensure meaningful youth participation in climate actions especially in relation to global justice and sustainable supply chains. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the question and comment. So now I give the floor to Switzerland, to be followed by Sierra Leone and our stakeholder. But first, Switzerland.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to both the Philippines and Finland for your insightful presentations., and also for the substantive, the substantive work that is behind the establishment of your reports. My question goes to Finland as well. Finland has been a role model for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for many years in all dimensions of sustainable development. Congratulations also to the Prime Minister to attend the HLPF in person, which is a high sign of political commitment from the highest political level. Which is very much appreciated. And I would also like to highlight that the tradition of true societal involvement is really highlighted by the presence of both business and the youth representative, which is very welcome. But as many developed— highly developed countries like mine, the impacts abroad through our consumption patterns and the supply chain are high, and it's an important issue that we still have to continue working on. So I have two questions regarding spillover effects. First question: do you measure spillovers in Finland, measure spillovers to other countries, and if so, how do you do? And on this basis, what specific political actions has the government decided upon to reduce negative spillovers and also to increase positive spillovers? Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland for the questions and comments, and now I give the floor to Sierra Leone, to be followed by the NGO major group.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, please permit me to congratulate the Philippines and Finland for the successful presentation of their voluntary natural reviews. My question is for the distinguished delegate of the Philippines. The country, like many others, faces a major risk from climate change, including extreme weather conditions, which has severe consequences is for socioeconomic development. The Philippines also has relatively low emissions of carbon, but it can still do a lot more to move towards energy transition, which requires huge investment costs. What is the government doing to mobilize both public and private sectors and to rally around investors to provide sustainable finance tools aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone for the important question, and now I give the floor to the NGO major group, to be followed by Indonesia and Angola.

Thanks to all presenters. I address my question to Finland. My name is Oyebisi Olusheyi. I am giving this statement as follow-up to the peer review process between Finland and Nigeria during the preparation of Finland's 2025 VNR. We invite further details about Finland's measures to firstly carry global responsibility to minimize the negative consequences of national policies outside of Finland's borders. Secondly, to protect civic space nationally and internationally. Finland's material footprints per capita and material consumption rates are 7 times higher than the global sustainability boundary. Yet Finland has not made commitments for new climate finance and ODA funding is being cut. Without carrying global responsibility, countries least responsible for crises such as climate change are left bearing the highest cost? Why does Finland support the weakening of EU due diligence legislation, which would protect fragile environments and the human rights of vulnerable people? Our second question is: How will Finland ensure quality participation of civil society in policy reform processes at national and international levels and respect its commitment that no one is left behind? Finland recognizes civil society as a cornerstone of democracy. Yet current policies and public funding cuts reduce the operational capacity of civil society and trade unions in Finland. The human rights of asylum seekers and migrant populations are being eroded. Such measures put national social cohesion and the Finnish welfare state at risk. This also challenges efforts to reduce inequality and maintain international solidarity. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the NGO major group and now I give the floor to Indonesia to be followed by Angola and Poland.

Thank you, Chair. Indonesia extends its congratulations to Finland and especially to the Philippines, our Asian family, for the comprehensive presentation on their PNR. We drew valuable lessons from Finland's emphasis in future-oriented strategic forecasting and fostering whole-of-society approach in achieving the SDGs. And from the Philippines' FOST VNR, we see the importance of enhancing statistical tools and data-driven intervention to advance inclusive efforts for SDGs progress. Our question would be for the Philippines. In light of the analysis on the rapidly evolving industry labor demands, How can the government, educational institutions, and the private sector collaborate to achieve SDGs 8? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia, and now I give the floor to Angola, to be followed by Poland and the Workers' and Trade Unions Major Group. So Angola, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Mr. Vice President.

My delegation would like I would like to commend the delegations of Finland and also the Philippines to their excellent presentations and their high quality of the VNRs.

These reports, in our view, represent the commitment of your governments to the 2030 Agenda. We have a question for the delegation of Philippines. The question is: What key challenge remains in collecting disaggregated data for the SDG indicators? And how can development partners or civil society actors better support your efforts in addressing these gaps? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Angola and now I give the floor to Poland, to be followed by the Workers' and Trade Unions Major Group and then the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, I would like to I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the delegations of Finland and the Philippines for the very comprehensive presentation and the progress made. My question goes to the delegation of the Philippines. As the youth delegate of Poland, I paid close attention to the very notable progress on indicator 8, in particular the proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training that shifted from a regressing status in 2022— to being on track to meet its targets in 2030. I would be particularly interested in how increased youth participation in education and labor markets might serve over the next 5 years as a strategic pathway towards inclusive growth in other areas highlighted in your report. For instance, how might this progress contribute to a greater representation of women in managerial roles? And to ultimately support sustained economic growth and resilience in the Philippines. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland, and now I give the floor to the Workers and Trade Unions Major Group, to be followed by the State of Palestine and Czechia.

The Philippine government's VNR frames progress around people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. However, the prevailing neoliberal agenda deepens the gap between government narratives and grassroots realities. On people, gender-based discrimination and systemic neglect of LGBTQI+ rights persist. When will the SOGIE/SC Equality Bill become law? What are the public investments towards recognizing unpaid care work and strengthening the care economy? On planet, unabated resource extraction, private sector-led energy transition, Fossil fuel expansion, large-scale mining, and reclamation prevail, displacing indigenous peoples, workers, and poor communities. How will you ensure that climate action addresses climate vulnerability, upholds justice, and leaves no one behind? On prosperity, the Trabaho Para Sabayan Act ignores core issues: lack of decent, regular jobs, dependence on foreign investments, and weak local industries amid high cost of living. The $8 average daily minimum wage is far below the $21 national living wage. The wage boards fail to address the wage gap and social protection is inadequate. When will the government legislate a living wage and restore subsidies to PhilHealth and SSS? How can peace be achieved amidst rampant militarization, red-tagging, and the killings of journalists, activists, and rights defenders? Counterinsurgency programs like the NTFL-KA NTFL-CAC have institutionalized the criminalization of dissent? Will the NTFL-CAC be abolished? Under partnership, profit-oriented public-private partnerships are prioritized over community-led solutions. Why are marginalized sectors underrepresented in the stakeholders' chamber? To conclude, progress must be rooted in rights-based governance and people-led development. Filipino people over profit.

I thank the representative of Workers and Trade Unions Major Group. And now I give the floor to the representative of the State of Palestine, to be followed by Czechia and Nigeria.

I thank the delegations of the Philippines, Finland, and Bermuda for the presentation of their voluntary national reviews, and I congratulate them on their accomplishments. It is always important to look at the path towards 2030 in consideration of every country's unique circumstances and challenges. And draw lessons upon it for the future. I'm curious on the data-driven approach presented in the review by the kind delegation of the Philippines and ask if they could elaborate on what unique approaches were taken in that regard through the review process. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank the representative of the State of Palestine, and now I give the floor to Czechia, to be followed by Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

I would like to join others in the congratulations to the representations of both Finland and the Philippines to their very interesting and successful VNRs. I only have a very short question for the Philippines, which is how is the Philippines ensuring that its regional SDG catch-up plans are implemented? Thank you very much.

I think that was quick for the representative of Czechia, but straight to the point. And now I give the floor to Nigeria, to be followed by Equatorial Guinea.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. Your Excellencies, I'd like to congratulate the Prime Minister of Finland for the well articulated and conceptualized presentation of the fourth voluntary national review. As we know that the SDGs are about the whole of government and the whole of society, I'd like to ask, what are the challenges, the issues, challenges and opportunities of a whole of society approach to SDG implementation in Finland? Thank you so much.

I thank the representative of Nigeria, and now I give the floor to Equatorial Guinea.

Okay, thank you for giving me the floor.

First of all, I would like to congratulate the delegation of Finland and Philippines. I have a question for the Philippines. How are you addressing the issue of data and progress measurement in areas where statistical gaps may exist.

Thank you. Okay, I thank the representative of Equatorial Guinea. That was the last speaker on my list. So now I invite the presenters to briefly respond to the questions from the floor, starting with Finland. Prime Minister, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Mr. President, and thank you very much for your very important questions. I try to answer as many as possible. And after that, I would like to give the floor to Kati Jenni to contribute also. As I said, we have been working with sustainable development for a long time. Since 1993 and our whole-of-society approach which I described is one of the secrets behind our good results. And we are working towards shared goals. About challenges, of course we have. The whole-of-society approach means that there might be different views on how to advance sustainable development most effectively. This demands time and it— we need dialogue, but I think it's always worthwhile. Shared visions and goals enhance commitment and action. We work together with the science community— and private sector to improve the information basis regarding both negative and positive spillovers. We have developed models for measuring climate and biodiversity impacts of entire value chains of both products and services. This data supports also political decision-making, which is very important. Important from my perspective. We also aim to enhance a positive handprint of Finland's businesses to harness the potential to advance the, the SDGs globally, also in partnership with developing countries. And maybe Kati, you can tell more about this. And as you see, Young people are invited, and you heard Jeni's excellent speech. They are actively participating in all of Finland's SDG implementation. We are working very closely. Our youth delegate, Jeni, you can comment this more. One of my government priorities is to improve the sustainability of our public finances. We have had too slow economic growth for years and our public finances are in a bad condition. But in order to balance the state budget, we have made adjustment measures at all branches of the government and unfortunately including our development cooperation But I can tell you that after we have fixed our economy, we have more resources to do cooperation and work together with developing countries more. And we want to build equal and sustainable partnership with developing countries based on mutual benefit and respect. And we continue to support civil society, which is important, and the participation for— I mean, cooperation with civil society both in Finland and in international level. About human rights, Finland respects rule of law. We respect human rights and international law. We take care of asylum seekers and most vulnerable people. But at this time, we have challenges with our national security and we have forced to close our eastern border. But I want to underline that we respect rule of law, human rights, international law, and we take care of most vulnerable people. And maybe now I would like to give the floor to Kati and Jenny.

Thank you, Prime Minister. So I was thinking that maybe I will give a concrete example of a positive spillover impact. So as an autocumpo, as a global player in stainless steel, we are clearly the industry sustainability leader. And that means that based on our more than 95% recycled material content and the high share of renewable energy in our production, we actually can help our customers or together with our customers. For instance, last year we reduced carbon emissions by 10 million tons. And that is equivalent to 50 million train trips around the world. So that gives a bit of the magnitude what we can do globally. And I think that is also what is required from us as a company working in steel, showing the way for sustainability. Thank you.

I'd like to address the questions from Denmark and Nigeria. So first, regarding the youth or the climate justice, our youth group maintains really strong connections with the Finnish government and emphasize the urgency of climate action. But this spring, we also wanted to highlight the private, private sector's responsibility in addressing global challenges. So we Young advocates took the initiative and independently organized meetings with sustainability directors from major Finnish companies to discuss unethical supply chains, global justice, and climate action. However, for our message to truly make an impact, we still need stronger governmental support for youth diplomacy. Especially with peers in the Global South, so that we can together innovate and co-create better solutions. And secondly, regarding the whole-of-society approach, I think one, one challenge is that in Finland is that SDG processes can feel distant and too technical for people outside the expert networks. So we need to simplify the communication and actively involve underrepresented groups in shaping solutions. And I believe in Finland, our wide digital infrastructure could play a key role in achieving this, but we must ensure that digital tools are used to foster real participation, not just surface-level engagement. Thank you.

Thank you. And I thank the representation of Finland who joined us today, especially His Excellency Prime Minister Orpo. Thank you for coming to us. And now I give the floor to respond to the questions and comments to the presentation of the Philippines. Her Excellency Rosemary Edilon, Undersecretary for National Development Policy and Planning at the National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines. Madam.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I actually received quite a lot of questions, but let me divide it into 4 parts. So the first part has to do with the economic dimension, and the next, the climate action. The third one will be on the peace, security, and governance issues. Issues, and then lastly, to do with the implementation and monitoring system. First, on the economic sector, it was already mentioned that we have a Trabaho Paarasa Bayan Plan, which is actually our labor market development strategy. It encompasses 10 years, and it's actually a very comprehensive plan that includes strategies, policies, strategies that deal with the labor demand, the labor supply, and the labor market governance. So we also have two parts to that, uh, to that plan. The first part will be, uh, covering the current plan period, which is until 2028, and then, uh, the next part is really about future-proofing the labor market. So, uh, so this, uh, this, this plan actually already has a For its vision, we have said that all Filipinos of working age should be gainfully employed and have continuous opportunities to improve their employability, which we think is actually the robust way to be able to earn a living wage. So the Constitution actually permits government to, to, to set that minimum wage, and we do have a very a good system for making sure that there's a— it's context-specific, looking at the labor demand and also the labor supply side of it. And so, uh, we— and then apart from employability or lifelong learning opportunities, we also included there in the vision that we want that— they will want it to be the case that the working conditions and the benefits of of all those who are gainfully employed would be such that they can actually enjoy their aspirations or our long-term vision for strongly rooted family and community ties, a comfortable lifestyle, and a secure future. There was also a question about the youth NEET, how we managed to transition or actually make a major turnaround From previously it was regressing and now it is progressing. So I can actually say that we have implemented very large-scale programs for the youth to facilitate their transition to work, the school-to-work transition. Well, first of all, in terms of education, our basic education is free, and then if you are accepted or admitted to a state university or college, then again, that tuition fee is also free. And also technical vocational is also free. Lots of scholarships being provided. And in addition, we have a very large-scale government internship program where those who are newly— new graduates, those who cannot, you know, find work elsewhere because they don't have any work experience yet, they can work for government offices. And government actually pays them for 6 months. And then there's also a program for those wanting to work in the private sector, again, as an intern, and again, government pays for that. And I think this is also what facilitated that school-to-work transition. There was also— actually, that also takes care of industry and labor demand, because in that labor market development plan, What we had were also strategies to anticipate the skills needed, beginning with the Philippine Development Plan. Of course, in the Philippine Development Plan, we already indicated the priority sectors. First of all, the priority programs of government, and then the priority sectors. We actually anticipate what would be the future needs in the immediate term, actually, for the term of that of the Philippine Development Plan. With respect to climate action, as mentioned by our colleague here, yes, the Philippines is not really a big emitter. Last time we measured, it was at 0.32% of GHG, but we do know that we still need to do our part. What we're doing is maximizing what we call the intersectionality between climate action and climate mitigation and then climate adaptation. So we have— early on, we have already put up what we call a People's Survival Fund, and this is really for those areas that are very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. So there's technical assistance to be had so that they can actually come up with their longer-term or robust plans in order to build their resilience, and there's already a fund allocated for that. And then we have earlier on determined that our major emitters of GHG— not really that major, but anyway, it will be the energy sector, it will be the transportation sector, agriculture, and then water. And so for the energy sector, one of the first things we did on the policy side is first to liberalize the investment regime for renewable energy. That has been done, and therefore we now have a lot of renewable energy sources. At this point in time, many of them are going online, and so the next step is actually to connect them to the grid. Then, most importantly, we have also formulated the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production. This is actually more longer term. It's up until 2040, and we have put in place several policies and strategies that need to be done, need to be legislated if needed. There's also the question on covering peace, security, and governance, about participation in governance, especially for the marginalized sectors. Actually, we have regional development councils, and in the regional development councils, there are civil society participants. In fact, they have to constitute 25% of the total representation of that regional development council. In our own Trabaho para sa BAYAN Plan Interagency Council, we have a representative from the informal sector and one representative from the marginalized sector. And so, there— and also us at the DEPDEV, our department, we continue to engage. We continue to engage with the civil society. Yes, they're not yet part of the stakeholders chambers, but we are looking to increase actually the membership of that stakeholders chamber. Then on the implementation and how do we make sure that our regional catch-up plans are getting implemented, well, right now I think I mentioned also that we have a a program convergence budget on the SDGs. And in, uh, by law, actually, 20% of the excise taxes coming from cigarettes, from, from sin taxes, from, uh, vapes, yeah, actually are allocated for SDG-related projects. And the, the priority list will have to come from us. So we are the ones that that actually recommend which ones should be prioritized. And so what we do is we take off from the Pace of Progress report, and that Pace of Progress tells us which indicators, targets, and then indicators are lagging behind. And so we come up as well with a planning tool where we actually ask the— our sub-national offices to, to list down those programs that they think actually coincide, or we would address these lagging indicators and then have that brainstorming just to find out, you know, what are those particular additional components that need to be there so that you reach those who are farthest behind. And so this is what we call the SDG planning tool. And then for the program convergence budget, we asked them to include a budget for the monitoring, for conducting that monitoring visit. For, for this programs and projects. And there was also action about a question on how do we ensure that we are able to collect data from those hard-to-reach areas. Now, very recently we just completed the community-based monitoring system. Actually, it will cover 27 million households. Right now we have 22 million already being processed. And this one, actually, the reason why we we had that much of the data was that we conducted it alongside our census of population, and that means going into each and every household. So we have various statistical offices. We also already have, you know, those statistical units that really go to this far-flung areas, of course, reaching out to the the local government units for to facilitate their entry. And so that's actually how we, we, how we are able to make sure that they are counted, that their, that their data is actually considered in our, in our planning. And this CBMS, or the Community-Based Monitoring System, is actually legislated. And so its conduct is, will be done every 2 years. So we did it in 2024. Next time around, It will be in 2026 and so on. And we actually plan that this will also be the basis for identifying those target beneficiaries of social assistance programs, social protection programs, and so on. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representatives of the Philippines for the very comprehensive answer. Madam Minister, thanks. Thank you very much. So I thank both countries and the presenter for the presentation and the responses, and all the delegations also, thanking— thanks to you for your valuable contributions and questions. And before concluding, I just— to be fair with the rules, I would like to recall that the General Assembly Resolution 75/290B provides that countries concluding the— conducting their own international reviews Participants may provide written answers after the High-Level Political Forum if they wish so. Just for you to be reminded about that. With that, we have thus completed our program of work for this meeting, just on time. And this afternoon, the Forum will hold parallel meetings at 3 PM, with voluntary national reviews being held here in the Conference Room 4, and the resumption of the general debate taking place in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. Detailed information on the programme is available on the LHPF website. The meeting is so adjourned.