(8th meeting) High-Level Political Forum 2026

Se declara abierta la octava sesión del Foro Político I open this session of this High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of ECOSOC for 2026. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, I invite the forum to continue considering Agenda Item 2C, Voluntary National Reviews. We will hear reports from 3 delegations. As part of this first round of presentations, I would like to welcome Estonia, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands. Before hearing their presentations, I would like to ask the countries that will be presenting their reports to stick to the 10-minute speaking limit for each presentation so we have enough time to hear from all of the main speakers and then to engage in an exchange with other states and participants. I apologize in advance if I have to interrupt you. I hope that thanks to your cooperation, I won't have to do so. Given the number of countries that will be presenting their voluntary national reviews, In this year's High-Level Political Forum, I hope that you will all understand the need to show discipline so we have enough time to hear the presentations and to exchange with those present in the room. I recall paragraph 35 of the resolution, 75/29DB, General Assembly on the participation of major groups and other stakeholders in order to promote the interactive nature of our exchanges. And as we've done in the past, we'll have a limited number of questions that can be posed by interested parties by video. If there are no objections, we will proceed as suggested. The forum will begin by hearing the voluntary national review of Estonia, so I ask His Excellency Mr. Andri Sutt, Minister of Energy and Environment of Estonia, to make his presentation.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies. distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to present Estonia's 3rd Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. For Estonia, sustainable development is not the new agenda. Already in 1995, we adopted our Sustainable Development Act. In 2005, the Parliament approved a strategy, Sustainable Estonia 21. Today, the Sustainable Development Goals are integrated into Estonia's long-term national strategy, Estonia 2035, and into the sectoral development plans and programs that guide government's action. We also track this progress publicly. Estonia's SDG indicators are available at the Tree of Statistics dashboard. So that our performance is visible not only to the government, but to everyone. Since our previous review in 2020, the world around us has changed dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic tested our healthcare system, disrupted education, altered supply chains, and exposed vulnerabilities in society. Soon after, Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. This war has had consequences far beyond Ukraine. It has raised energy and food prices, increased the cost of living, weakened economic stability, and affected progress on poverty, inequality, and economic growth. That is why Estonia's current review pays more attention than before to crisis management and resilience. The lesson is clear: sustainable development cannot be separated from security, democracy, the rule of law, and the ability of societies to withstand shocks. People need to feel that their immediate needs and fears are being addressed. Only thereafter, they can focus on long-term development goals. Overall, Estonia is making solid progress. Fresh data published last week show that Estonia now ranks 12th in the SDG Index. This is a very strong result and places Estonia among the world's leading countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. We see strong results in health and well-being. Health insurance covers more than 95% of the population, and life expectancy is increasing. We continue to perform well in education. Estonia offers high-quality education that is accessible and free of charge, regardless of gender, religion, or socio-economic background. Our education system remains one of the best in the world, and one of the foundations of our resilience. Quality education helps to balance our possible inequalities in our societies. We have also made progress on clean energy. The share of renewables in electricity generation amounted to 68% last year, and renewable energy in final energy consumption has risen by 10 percentage points in 4 years, reaching to 40%. Renewable energy is a rational economic choice, delivering also a cleaner world for everybody. Estonia has also recently adopted its first nuclear energy and safety law, as we expect the first small modular reactor commissioned hopefully around 2035. Digital society remains one of Estonia's strengths. More than 92% of people use the internet. 85% are satisfied with digital public services. And nearly 92% of residents consider Estonia's cybersecurity trustworthy. Estonia continues to advance its digital society through artificial intelligence. With AI Leap program, we are bringing AI into education. Furthermore, we are promoting economy-wide application of AI to boost productivity and support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. We attach great importance to the quality of institutions. Estonia ranks joint 12th in the Corruption Perception Index, and 91% of residents consider their neighborhood safe. However, the 3rd place in this year's Press Freedom Index was a step down from last year's 2nd place. Free and independent media is one of the backbones of democracy. Therefore, securing the freedom of press is a priority for Estonia. Our solid progress does not remove responsibility. Several goals require significantly more work. Our focus is on protecting the most vulnerable in our society, including the elderly, people with special needs, and young people. We are not yet on track to achieve our 2035 gender equality goals. The gender gap— gender pay gap has narrowed, and our Gender Equality Index has improved since 2020. But the pace needs acceleration. We continue to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions at a solid pace. Estonia has already reduced emissions by 66% compared to 1990. But our ambition is far higher. Our task is to build an economy that is cleaner, more competitive, and more secure at the same time. For Estonia, the international dimension of sustainable development is equally important. Today, Estonia has become a high-income country with a very high rank in the Human Development Index. This gives us both a moral obligation and a direct interest in contributing to the global well-being. Already from 1997, Estonia became a provider of official development assistance. Development cooperation helps to eradicate poverty, support democratic governance, and strengthen societies. Humanitarian assistance saves lives and supports those affected by natural or man-made disasters, especially the most vulnerable. Ukraine is, and will remain, a top priority for Estonia. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is not only a war against one country. It is an attack on the principles that make sustainable development possible: sovereignty, human rights, international law, and the fundamental right of a people to choose their own destiny. That is why Estonia has committed to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually for military and defence assistance to Ukraine in 2024 through 2027. We will also continue to support Ukraine's reconstruction, resilience, and reform efforts, including by co-hosting the 2027 Ukraine Recovery Conference. At the same time, Estonia will continue to respond to the needs of other developing countries, especially the least developed and post-conflict states, small island developing states, and landlocked developing countries. As a small country, we know that our resources are limited, but we also know that our experience in digital governance, cybersecurity, AI, education, transparency, and resilient institutions can be useful to others to bridge the existing development gap. Ladies and gentlemen, the Sustainable Development Goals remain a practical framework for better lives, stronger societies, and a healthier planet. But they will not be achieved by declarations alone. They require implementation, trust, accountability, and cooperation. Estonia remains committed To delivering its part at home, in Europe, with Ukraine, and with our partners across the world. Thank you very much.

Nuestro agradecimiento al ministro de energía y medio ambiente de Estonia. I thank the minister of energy and environment of Estonia for that presentation, and I. Now, the floor to the delegate of Liberia for that voluntary national report. I invite His Excellency Augustine Kpé Nwagafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia, to make the presentation.

Thank you. Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the government and the people of Liberia, I am deeply honored to present our 2026 Voluntary National Review, our 3rd since 2020. We are not here simply to report On what we have done. We are here to answer a critical question that this forum demands of us: how is Liberia accelerating implementation to achieve the SDGs by 2020 through transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions? Our answer is our National Development Plan for Inclusive Development 2025 to 2029, which emphasizes agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. This is a bold national development roadmap with 375 interventions and 3% direct alignment to the SDGs. It is already delivering results. Excellencies, our progress is measurable and our trajectory is upward. Despite a turbulent global environment, Liberia's GDP growth is projected at 5.5% This year, inflation has been contained at around 5.3%, down from double digits in 2023. National poverty has fallen from 34% in 2020 to 29.6% in 2024. These are not abstract numbers; they represent millions of Liberians whose daily lives are improving. And expanded TVET programs. To strengthen food security, we are boosting agricultural productivity, irrigation, and agro-processing. At the same time, mobile accounts have more than doubled from 1.5 million in 2020 to over 1— to over 3.5 million today. Expanding financial inclusion for millions of Liberian— Liberians, all done through sector digitization and aligned with the Global Digital Compact. Our HDI has risen to 0.510, the highest in our post-conflict history. These broader achievements provide the foundation for our progress on the 5 SDGs under review. SDG 6. Access to improved drinking water has reached 78.8% of the population, while sanitation coverage has increased from 18% to 28%. We are expanding climate-resilient water and sanitation services, especially in rural communities. SDG 7. Electricity access has increased from 32.7% to 38% currently. While generation capacity has grown significantly, now reaching 146 megawatts, driven by investments in solar energy, and other clean energy solutions. SDG 9, road paved, has expanded from 1,300 kilometers in 2023 to approximately 1,450 kilometers by end 2025, with approximately 2,000 kilometers targeted by end 2029. 4G coverage has grown from 72% in 2024 to 80% at end 2025. We are constructing Liberia's first special agro-industrial processing zone that will promote industrialization and enhance job creation. SDG 11. The share of the urban population living in slums has declined from 65% to 59%, with 59% targeted by end 2026. Investments in urban services, community upgrading, and local roads are creating more inclusive and resilient communities. SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals. Domestic revenue increased from $606.3 million in 2023 to above $840 million in 2025, raising the revenue-to-GDP ratio to 15.8%. Excellencies, we have made these gains in spite of significant headwinds including abrupt shutdown of support by our second-largest donor in 2025, affecting school feeding, essential medicines, WASH programs, and agriculture. The recent crisis in the Middle East, which triggered spikes in fuel and food prices. Adding to these challenges, ever-rising debt service obligations in our national budget continues to take significant resources away from health, education, infrastructure, and other key priorities. Also, our vulnerability to climate change and climate-related shocks continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, food security, and critical infrastructure. ODA continues to fall With GAVI and other partners scaling down support. But Liberia is not retreating. We are taking ownership. We are investing aggressive— investing aggressive— aggressively in tax administration, enforcement, and digitization, resulting in significant increase in domestic revenue. We are implementing our national adaptation plan. for climate resilience. And we are doing all of this inclusively. Over 40% of our VNRA consultations were driven by civil society, women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Excellencies, Liberia's 2030 commitments are clear: accelerate inclusive growth, scale renewable energy, deepen digital governance, strengthen the rule of law, expand domestic financing, and leave no one behind. But the resource requirement to achieve targets in our development plan and SDGs remains huge, requiring stronger partnerships, private sector investment, innovative financing, and technology transfer. We stand ready To work with all of you to transform our challenges into generational opportunities and to ensure that no Liberian is left behind. I thank you very much.

I would like to thank the Planning and Finance Minister of Liberia. Now the forum will hear the voluntary national review by the Marshall Islands. I invite His Excellency Jes Gaspar Jr., Minister in Assistance to the President and Minister of Environment of the Marshall Islands, to make presentation.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Greetings in Yaakwe. On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, it is a profound honor to present our 2nd Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. This moment is not only our commitment to global cooperation, but also our determination to ensure that no Marshallese is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development. The Marshall Islands is a large ocean state made up of 29 atolls and 5 islands that stretch across the heart of the Pacific. Our ocean defines us. It connects our people, sustains our way of life, and inspires our responsibility as stewards of one of the world's greatest marine spaces. Though our islands are scattered and face the realities of climate and shocks, we stand firm as a nation of resilience and innovation. We turn challenges into opportunities, drawing strength from our culture, our people, and our partnerships. Despite limited resources and the lasting impacts of nuclear legacy, we continue to move forward with purpose, building a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future for all. leaving no one behind. We presented our first VNR in 2021 amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although we were unable to present in person due to the international travel restrictions, we adapted to the circumstances and delivered our VNR virtually, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Since then, recovery has been a national priority with notable progress achieved through reforms, policies, and programs. A major milestone was reached in November of this— of 2025 when the RMI became a leading country in launching a nationwide universal basic income program known as ENRE, which provides quarterly cash transfers to all resident citizens. This bold initiative strengthens social protection, reduces poverty, and builds economic resilience for our people. Our second VNR is centered on our National Strategic Plan, NSP 2020-2030, which serves as a national development framework and is structured around 5 thematic pillars, namely: One. Social and culture. 2, environment, climate change and resilience.

3, infrastructure.

4, economic development. And 5, good governance. The VNR was developed through a collaborative process which brought together government, civil society, and communities, reflecting a whole-of-society approach to implementation and accountability.

Thank you.

Mr. President, guided by our NSP and aligned with this year's VNR themes, I wish to highlight several national initiatives that demonstrate our progress. Under SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, the Marshall Islands continues to address critical water security challenges. As a low-lying island nation, we heavily rely on rainwater harvesting and desalination systems. In response, the government together with regional and international partners is implementing the Coastal Aquifer Management Project to improve protection, management, and improve access to groundwater sources. In 2025, a new water reservoir was installed, increasing the total water storage capacity to 47 million gallons. This expansion ensures a minimum 25— minimum supply of 25 gallons of water per person per day and provides sufficient reserves to meet the atoll's water needs for up to 80 days during periods of drought. Under SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy, the Marshall Islands remain committed to ambitious climate action and sustainable energy transition. In 2025, we adopted our Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0, reaffirming our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below the 2010 levels by 2030 and at least 58% by 2035, with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. To support these targets, the government continues to invest in renewable energy. including the installation of solar power systems across multiple islands, expanding access to electricity for remote communities and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. We are also promoting low-carbon transport solutions. The Low-Carbon Sea Transport Project, supported by partners, enabled the construction of the sailing cargo and training vessel SV Juranai, while local organizations such as Wan, Eiling, and Majel continue to promote traditional canoe building as a sustainable and culturally rooted transport solution. Under SDG 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, we continue to strengthen digital connectivity and build resilient infrastructure. A significant milestone was the opening of the Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine Center in Medro in 2024. Established with support from our partners, this innovative facility is improving access to healthcare services, particularly for remote communities, through telemedicine technologies and digital health solutions. Digital infrastructure has expanded with all the public secondary schools now connected to reliable internet and digital learning capabilities. Enabling students to benefit from technology-enhanced learning and helping to bridge the digital divide between communities. Under SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, the Marshall Islands continues to strive for climate resilience and promote sustainable development across the communities. As highlighted at the beginning of this presentation, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels and increasing— increasingly frequent extreme weather events continue to threaten our homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. To address these challenges, the government finalized the National Adaptation Plan in 2024, providing a comprehensive roadmap for building climate resilience and advancing sustainable development Nature-based solutions, reforestations, and coastal protection infrastructures are being implemented across vulnerable communities. Our communities are also taking action through conservative initiatives. In 2025, the Marshall Islands declared its first marine sanctuary, protecting 18,500 square miles around Bigar and Bogak Atolls. This landmark achievement safeguards critical marine ecosystems and demonstrates our commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean governance. Underlying all these efforts is SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals. As a small island developing state, partnerships are essential. These achievements would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our international and regional partners. Their technical assistance, financial contributions, and continued collaborations have been instrumental in helping the RMI advance its sustainable development aspirations. Mr. President, despite the progress achieved across the SDGs, the Marshall Islands continues to face significant challenges that affect the pace and scale of implementation, such as the intensifying climate impacts on our infrastructure and livelihoods, rising noncommunicable diseases, and associated health systems pressures, disparities in service delivery between urban centers and outer islands, and capacity and resource constraints across key sectors. Looking ahead, the Marshall Islands will continue to accelerate progress through key priorities aimed at strengthening a more sustainable economic future. These include reviewing and strengthening economic policies, expanding opportunities for private sector growth, improving the use of data and evidence for improving the decision-making, and deepening partnerships with civil society, NGOs, and the private sector to support inclusive and sustainable development outcomes. In closing, Mr. President, the Marshall Islands reaffirms its strong commitments to advancing our international obligations and national development priorities to ensure a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all. Kom mo tada. I thank you, Mr. President.

Agradezco al Ministro.

I would like to thank the Minister in Assistance to the President and Environment of the Marshall Islands for his presentation. We will now hear 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 we just heard, are invited to press the microphone button on the console. Before I give the floor to the first speaker, I would like to once again kindly ask delegations to limit their interventions to 2 minutes each. I now give the floor To the distinguished representative of Finland, and after we will hear Bahrain and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Finland warmly congratulates Estonia for presenting its 3rd BNR and for the progress made with implementing the 2030 Agenda. We find the inclusion of SDG 18, viability of the Estonian cultural space, particularly interesting. We share the view that culture and arts are important enablers and mobilizers of the urgently needed sustainability transformation. Cultural activities, from making art to using libraries, attending concerts and plays, or simply listening to music, can broaden our horizons and make us change our lifestyles towards sustainability. Culture can inspire action to call for more effective policy measures to boost sustainability, and culture is something that gives us a shared purpose and builds resilience. We would like to ask what inspired Estonia to begin measuring the viability of Estonian cultural space, and which actors have participated in making the indicators and assessments.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Finland, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Chair.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we congratulate the delegations on presenting their voluntary national reviews for the year 2026.

and we thank them for the presentations today.

I'd like to present a question to the delegation of Liberia. Honorable Minister, how has Liberia's progress on SDG 1, poverty reduction, been measured in terms of equitable access, and what specific strategies are being implemented to ensure that marginalized groups, including rural children and girls, are not left behind in achieving the 2030 targets? Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Mr. President and Excellencies, Micronesia congratulates Estonia, Liberia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands for the ongoing sustainable development actions done in your respective nation to improve the lives of your citizens.

Excellencies, thank you for your voluntary— for voluntarily being here.

For the Republic of the Marshall Islands, I have a question for you. In your VNR report, it identifies noncommunicable disease as one of the country's most pressing public health challenges. As a small island developing state with limited resources and geographic dispersion. Could you please share the strategies and efforts being implemented to prevent and address NCDs and the lessons learned along the way, particularly for the remote islands?

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Federated States of Micronesia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Economic Commission for Europe Regional Engagement Mechanism.

Thank you.

The civil society organizations from Estonia welcome the Estonian government's 3rd voluntary national review and acknowledge absolute progress, i.e., narrowing gender pay gap, 42% energy— renewable energy share, and narrowing gender pay gap, near-universal compliant drinking water, and the world-class digital governance system, of course. However, there are still significant gaps that we should address. On gender equality, the pay gap of 13.2% remains one of the EU's highest, yet Estonia delays EU pay gap transparency directive implementation. The multiannual funding for domestic violence shelters is not secured, and the women in rural areas and older women bear a disproportionate share of energy and digital poverty. On water, nearly a fifth of households remain unconnected to public water and sewage networks, while the share of surface water bodies in good ecological status fell from 53% to 50% between 2020 and 2024. On energy, rising household costs fall hardest on vulnerable groups. The just transition for Itä-Veroma and elsewhere requires genuine civil society participation, not technical consultations alone. On partnerships, civil society organizations, especially women-led local service-providing and rights-based organizations, still lack sustainable financing and a stronger role on national decision-making. We ask the government, what steps will you take to establish the sustainable domestic financing for civil society? Second, what new mechanisms will you replace the Sustainable Development Commission to ensure inclusive resource civil society participation in SDG monitoring? And how will you strengthen the collection?

Doy las gracias.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Economic Commission for Europe Regional Engagement Mechanism. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Marshall Islands.

Thank you, Mr. President. Let me first congratulate the ministers, the 3 ministers, for their excellent presentation. My question is directed to Estonia. As Estonia advances its green transition, how is the government balancing energy independence, the expansion of renewable energy, and long-term sustainable objectives. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Marshall Islands, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tuvalu.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to pose questions to the presenters. Tuvalu congratulates Estonia, Liberia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands on their comprehensive presentation of their voluntary national reviews. We commend the significant progress they have made toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals despite the considerable global and national challenges they have outlined. My question is directed to the Republic of the Marshall Islands. As a fellow Small Island Developing State that is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate change, could you share the key environmental achievement and progress the Republic of the Marshall Islands has made since presenting its first Voluntary National Review?

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tuvalu, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative Representative of Stakeholder Group for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent.

Thank you, Mr. President. Civil society welcomes Liberia's reported fiscal discipline and infrastructure gains, GDP growth above target, a historic domestic revenue surplus, and expanded human capital investment. Yet the lived realities diverge sharply from these headline figures. Over 60% of Liberians still live below the international poverty line, and the country ranks 177 of 193 on the Human Development Index. Electricity reaches barely a third of the population, and healthcare outside Monrovia remains severely limited. The rushed carbon market policy process, opposed by over 25 civil society organizations, shows that consultation with forest-dependent communities remains selective rather than free, prior, and informed. 16 years after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, the War and Economic Crimes Court remains unestablished, and victims of the civil society conflict still await reparation. Weak judicial independence continues to undermine public trust and the equal protection of right holders, including women, youth, persons with disability, and communities in remote and conflict-affected areas. We therefore ask, how will the government ensure SDG data is disaggregated by income, gender, disability, and geography so that no one is left behind? What binding time-bound mechanisms will guarantee civil society's role in monitoring implementation at national and subnational levels after this forum. Civil society stands ready to be a genuine continuing partner in Liberia's development. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Stakeholder Group for Communities Discriminated on Work and Dissent, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia.

And of course, my own country, Estonia, for presenting VNRs. Impressive. I have a question to distinguished representative of Marshall Islands, Honorable Minister in Assistance to the President and Environment, His Excellency Jess Gasper Jr. First of all, thank you very much for presenting impressive voluntary national review, we commend your continued commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda despite the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, including, of course, geographic dispersion, climate vulnerability, and limited resources. We were particularly interested in your efforts to ensure that no one is left behind across your geographically dispersed islands. Including through measures aimed at improving access to public services, strengthening local resilience, and supporting sustainable livelihood in remote communities. In this regard, could you please elaborate on the progress the government has made in improving access to essential services and development opportunities for communities in the remote outer islands? In particular, what approaches have proven most effective and what lessons from these efforts would you share with other countries facing geographic connectivity or service delivery challenges? I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative and colleague from Estonia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Mr. President, We would like to thank and welcome all of the excellent presentations that we heard today from Estonia, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands. We would like to thank the representative of Estonia for presenting his VNR, and we would like to make the following question. In light of the fact that this year's HLPF on sustainable development is doing an in-depth review of the implementation of SDG number 7, we would thank Estonia— or we would be thankful to Estonia if they could explain how their energy policy is in sync with the EU's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba, and I now give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Distinguished President, distinguished ministers, Thank you for giving me the floor. Estonian financing of the criminal Kyiv regime is used to continue the conflict to the detriment of urgent social needs of ordinary citizens in Estonia itself and makes Tallinn essentially a participant in state terrorism. Recently, An Estonian advisor on national security assisted the Kyiv regime with coordinating the attack on St. Petersburg. Ukrainian authorities continue the trajectory toward escalation. Without the financial fueling of this conflict, it would already have been ended. And what we can really agree on our— with our Estonian colleagues on is that the Russophobic frenzy unleashed by well-known actors has long been a problem for developing countries, and financing of movements in Kyiv has long superseded the needs of the least developed countries. In this regard, I would like to emphasize that talent and financing— Kiev bears almost greater responsibility for what is happening and is systematically undermining the SDGs. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Major Group for Children and Youth.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, and colleagues, in our hands we carry the future of our islands. Whose hands? The hands of the younger generation or the older generation? In light of the increasing climate and nuclear-related health risks and the erosion of our cultural values in relation to cybersecurity and digital literacy limitations, how can the government ensure that the voices of the youth, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, and other marginalized groups are formalized to mandate their participation and leadership in the decision-making process. We strongly support the government's second VNR, and we commend Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda C. Hain for setting a regional precedent at last year's Micronesian Islands Forum by formally inviting young people to dialogue directly with leaders, and we call for this mechanism to be institutionalized and strengthened at the national level. To truly ensure no one is left behind, the government must explicitly elevate nuclear justice as a cross-cutting development priority and formalize youth voices within national decision-making spaces. The enduring legacy of radiation contamination is an unhealed intergenerational wound. Nuclear justice is a prerequisite for sustainable development. It must be integrated into the core planning of the NSP, ensuring that young people do not inherit structural health burdens and displaced identities without recourse. Furthermore, our population is remarkably young, with a median age of 22 years. To unlock our full potential, the government must move beyond ad hoc consultations. We call for institutionalized youth seats on the SDG Steering Committee and the direct resourcing of decentralized youth-led initiatives that empower young people. This empowerment is urgently needed to address our digital realities. Marshallese youth are the most cyberactive segment of our population, yet this makes them the most vulnerable. We stand ready to lead by formalizing our role and resourcing our initiatives. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Major Group for Children and Youth, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria. You may go ahead, please.

Thank you, Chair. My name is Fisayo Abiodun. I'm the founder of Tech Impact Global. I appreciate the discussion today because it reminds us of the importance of building infrastructure with people. As someone who works with globally talented students and professionals, I've seen how access to education, international collaboration, and career opportunities can strengthen the human capital that cities rely on to innovate, recover from crisis, and grow sustainably. Most of the world's urban growth between now and 2050 will happen in African and Asian cities, and it will be overwhelmingly young. Whether a city is truly inclusive will be decided by whether a young person growing up in an informal settlement can reach housing, mobility, and opportunity, and whether that city even counts them. As cities and countries prepare voluntary local reviews, Bring young people in not only as beneficiaries, but as data partners and co-authors. A city that counts its youth is a city that can plan for them. A question I would like to pose to the panel: how can local governments and UN partners better integrate youth leadership and globally mobile talent into urban development strategies so that cities benefit not only from physical infrastructure, but also from the knowledge, innovation, and networks that young people bring. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Nigeria, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.

Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to give this intervention. Allow me to commend Estonia and Marshall Islands and Liberia for their insight presentation on the Voluntad Nacional Review. My question is directed to Liberia. Congratulations on the remarkable progress your country has made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as reflected in the positive socioeconomic indicators highlighted in your presentation. Your achievement demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing national development challenges. Yesterday, we had the important observation that while targets are global, our solutions are local. In that regard, Zambia would be interested to learn how Liberia has leveraged the role of local and regional governments in planning, implementation, and monitoring of SDGs, and how this has contributed to the milestones you have achieved.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia, and I now invite the discussants to briefly respond to questions from our audience in about 5 minutes. I now give the floor to the Minister of Energy and Environment of Estonia?

Thank you very much, Mr. President, and thanks to the questions. So first, to our Finnish colleague, of course, monitoring the Estonian cultural space is really important, and that goes back already to the 2000s when we had our first strategy of sustainable development. The viability of Estonian culture and its space is one of the 4 main goals deriving from our constitution, starting from the fact that Estonia shall guarantee the preservation of Estonian nation, language, and culture through, through the ages. So that's basically the reasoning why we pay so much attention to the culture, and therefore we see it wider than just in SDG 18. So what we track is natural increase, cohort fertility rate, number of Estonian speakers, share of people participating in cultural activity, share of people participating, including in physical activity. And these indicators, as you asked, were worked out in cooperation with the Commission for Sustainable Development. Thank you. Consisting of a wide range of stakeholders from civil society and private sector, and later joined by relevant ministries as well. Then to the questions from the civil society, we have a number of programmes in Estonia which the civil society organisations can apply for to receive funding, and that I think is and continues to be important as a priority. When it comes to Sustainable Development Goals monitoring, we have a tree of statistics which everybody can access on the Statistical Office website, and that helps to see how we move on and track the progress. I agree with the point that engagement in monitoring discussions could be broader, and this is something we certainly take home from here to implement in practice. Then the 2 questions on energy transition. What we see based on our experience is actually that renewable and clean energy delivers more competitive prices, cleaner environment and supports the economic growth. So that's why it is basically a winning strategy, and then this is how we see it also in our energy plans. And for example, if we take the view on the price of electricity in July this year, Estonia had the second lowest price of electricity in Europe, and that was precisely that we have invested in renewable, and as I mentioned as well, we are preparing for the nuclear energy generation down the road. So this is a way I think we can clearly demonstrate and confirm the trend, what is global, that the clean energies are more competitive, they can be deployed faster, and they can also increase the energy security by the distributed generation. Then my last point is a reply to the observation from the Russian delegation on Ukraine. I think it is fully in the hands of Russia to stop the war, to meet the obligations what they have to under the UN Charter, and stop violating these principles of international law and the UN Charter, as has been repeatedly expressed in the numerous decisions and resolutions of General Assembly. Thank you very much.

I thank the Minister of Energy and Environment of Estonia, and I now give the floor to Mr. Augustine Kefed Nguafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia.

Thank you very much. With regard to the question on SDG 1. Liberia expended— Liberia is taking a multiplicity of measures to ensure that we address some of the teething challenges. Although we need to confess that challenges still remain, we don't measure poverty you know, our progress in SDG 1, only through poverty rates, but also through indicators that assess equitable access to education, health services, social protection, and economic opportunities, ensuring that vulnerable populations are reflected in our national reporting. Since 2022, poverty levels have steadily declined, while multidimensional poverty and social protection indicators have improved, reflecting broader access to essential services and stronger resilience among vulnerable households. We've continued, in spite of lack of support from partners, we've continued to do school feeding, uh, Now it's reached more than 250,000 of our young people. Uh, in terms of the question that was asked, I think by the civil society, we need to tell you that Liberia has a difficult past and we are coming out of the woods. We cannot say that we are out of the woods yet, but from where we were to where we are now, there is tremendous progress. In 2009 or 2010, we completed the, uh, the report on truth and reconciliation process that spoke to, uh, the establishment of a war and economic crimes court. For more than 15 years, I think there were difficulties, but the new government under President Borkai has taken this by the horn. He's now established through executive order The Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court that is mandated to design and begin processes for the full establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court. So we are well on course. In terms of electricity access and others, yes, we— when the government came in, electricity access was just around 31%, 32%. 31%. We acceded to the Energy Compact sponsored by the ADB and the World Bank. Now, energy access has reached 38%, and our target is that by 2030 it should be not less than 75%. So we're making progress. We are incorporating the rural community in our development processes. The consultations that went into the crafting of our development plan went across the country and incorporated civil societies, persons with disabilities in the crafting of the plan, and we intend to use them in the monitoring of the plan. Liberia now has transitioned. We now have a Ministry of Local Government, and we are devolving powers, decentralizing opportunities to the counties. And as we decentralize, we are giving opportunities to locals. So by and large, we want to say that we are not out of the woods yet, but we are taking all the actions in spite of the challenges to make sure that we are tackling the challenges we face. And with your support and, and, uh, and what we are doing, mobilizing, uh, our own resources, We are making progress and we intend to keep steady on this path of progress. Thank you very much.

Doy las gracias.

I thank the distinguished Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Liberia, and I now give the floor to His Excellency Jess Gasper Jr., Minister in Assistance to the President and Environment of the Marshall Islands.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Member States and the civil society representatives, for their comments and questions. Mr. President, please allow me to first invite a member of the RMI delegation, Deputy Chief Secretary Abigail Anjane-Madison, to address the questions regarding NCDs and the question from the CSO. Please.

Thank you, Mr. President and Mr. Minister. I will first address the question raised on noncommunicable diseases. NCDs are one of the leading causes of death in the Marshall Islands. These conditions not only threaten the health of our people, but also place a significant burden on families, communities, and the nation's social and economic development. For noble populations, particularly residents of our neighboring islands continue to face disproportionate risks and barriers to accessing essential healthcare. The Marshall Islands approach to NCDs is built on 5 areas. One, number one is the prevention-first approach, which focuses on early shifting of lifestyle. Number 2, a strengthening of health services through expanding health screening and treatment to the remote islands. Number 3, creating healthy environments through policies by implementing nationwide initiatives such as banning sugar drinks in schools. Number 4, is the data-driven action approach where we use annual NCD profiles aligned with WHO global indicators to guide, monitor progress, and ensure accountability. Lastly is equity and collaborations, which includes engaging government sectors, civil society, and private partners. In response to Thank you. To the question from the youth and children representative, I am pleased to announce that the National Youth Policy is scheduled to be validated next month. As part of the validation process, youth representatives from all the islands will be brought together to discuss and provide their input. The government continues to acknowledge the importance of including our youths in local and national platforms and invest in youth-led initiatives. During last year's National Summit, one of the key eligibility criteria for the participation in the summit was that each island's delegation include a designated youth representative. Online safety The Parliament enacted the Cybercrime Act in 2025, which includes a provision to protect children and youth below 18. In short, the government continues to put initiatives in place as a way forward to address risks of exploitation, misinformation, and mental health challenges while promoting responsible online behavior that respects tradition and cultural inclusive of both youth and children?

Mr. President, in response to the question from the member state representative from Tuvalu on the environmental progress since our 2021 VNR, we have achieved several key milestones as alluded to in our second VNR report. In 2024, we finalize our national adaptation plan. Establishing a clear long-term roadmap for climate action across all sectors. In 2025, we were one of just 13 countries to submit enhanced nationally determined contributions on time. We've also expanded renewable energy investment in both urban centers and outer islands, strengthening water security through new storage and rainwater harvesting systems, and advanced the low Carbon Sea Transport Project to modernize domestic shipping with energy-efficient, climate-friendly vessels. These actions demonstrate our unwavering commitment to sustainability and resilience, ensuring that our islands remain strong and our people protected in the face of climate change. To address Estonia's question, the Marshall Islands government is committed to strengthening sustainable infrastructure connecting connections and essential social services to our remote outer islands, including foundational access to education, health, communication, and connectivity. But our vast geography and small scale poses a lot of challenges. Improvements in sustainable domestic transport by air and ocean continue to be key pathways to build development potential, including sustainable tourism, but considerable hurdles must be also addressed. Once again, on behalf of the Marshall Islands, I thank you, Mr. President, and the member states— FSM, Tuvalu, Estonia— and all the observers for their commitments and their questions. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of of the Environment, representative of the Marshall Islands. I now would like to thank all of the speakers for their responses, and I thank the delegation as well for their valuable contributions. Before concluding, I'd like to recall that General Assembly Resolution 75/290B provides that countries conducting voluntary national reviews May provide written answers after the High-Level Political Forum if they so wish, if time was too short for them to provide detailed answers during the forum. I now briefly pause the meeting to allow the podium to be rearranged, and I invite the following presenters, the of Burundi and Mozambique to take their seats at the podium. Thank you.

Thank you.

Dear colleagues, let's continue. For the second set of panel presentations, I'm pleased to welcome the distinguished presenters from Burundi and Mozambique. Before we begin with the presentation, I would like to appeal to the presenting countries to adhere to the agreed 10 minutes per presentation, which will be monitored with a timing device so as to allow sufficient time for all presenters as well as engagement with other states and participants. I apologize in advance if I have to interrupt speakers, and I hope that it will not come to that with your cooperation. Given the number of countries making VNR presentations at this year's HLPF, I believe that we'll understand the need to be disciplined so as to allow adequate time for presentations as well as interactions from the floor. The Forum will first hear the Voluntary National Review by Mozambique, and I invite Her Excellency Carla Louveira, Minister of Finance, of Mozambique to make a presentation. You have the floor, Madam Minister.

Thank you. Your Excellency, Mr. President, distinguished delegates and participants, ladies and gentlemen, it is with highest honor that in representation of the government and people of Mozambique, I present our 2nd Voluntary National Review of the SDG agenda. Our presentation will focus on the national context, the methodology of the VNR to 2026, the follow-up on the VNR 2020 recommendations, overview of the SDG progress, and conclusions and way forward. I would like to start by saying that the national context of Mozambique economy is marked by a new governance cycle focused on the reforms aimed to achieve poverty eradication. The 2030 Agenda adopted by Mozambique in 2015 constitutes an integrated global framework towards promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development. The SDGs have been progressively integrated into the country's main national planning instruments, such as the 20-year National Development Strategy, the government's 5-year program, and the economic and social plan and budget for each year. This alignment can be seen in the 5 pillars of all strategic and operational planning tools, with a clear correspondence to each of the 17 SDGs. Mozambique maintains progress despite overlapping shocks on climate change, conflict in Cabo Delgado, which is in the north of the country, the remaining impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and fiscal pressure related to the debt burden. Those shocks have been impacting the GDP growth, the quality of the infrastructure, the number of people affected by climate change, and the level of poverty of the vulnerable people. The government of Mozambique is working hard on transparency, integrity, and economic stability over the past 15 years of our independence, and these efforts was recognized by the delisting the country from the FATF Grey List. The VNR 2026 followed a robust process of— and methodology coordinated by the government institutions. The main innovations include the structured integration of the voluntary local review across 6 territories, which includes districts and the municipalities, under the principle of one territory, one process, one product. In terms of follow-up on the VNR 2020 recommendation, Mozambique report highlights the clear progress in the institutional coordination and SDG governance, the integration of ex-SDGs into planning instruments, and the localization of the SDGs and VLRs. Nevertheless, the mobilization of sustainable finance remains the biggest challenge to address. The overview of the progress result of the GSDG 2026 shows a global score of almost 54% of achievements. The report revealed gains in water coverage, partnership, and climate agenda. Despite, there is a call for attention in the infrastructure quality and human participation at the decision level. Going to the 5 focus SDGs of 2026, Following this thematic review, regarding drinking water and sanitation, SDG 6, the report highlighted the improvement in water access of 62% coverage against 56% in 2022, and sanitation indicator of 37% against 32% in 2022. As a challenge, the 2026 VNR revealed a strong urban-rural disparity, The government of Mozambique takes the recommendation of expanding equitable access to quality water and sanitation with focus on rural and peri-urban areas as a way forward. On affordable and clean energy, SDG 7, the report commends the efforts made by Mozambique under the Energy for All program. The report showed a challenge on the national electrification coverage, of 35.8%, beside the rural jump. High renewable energy of 78% representing a huge potential for the country energy transition strategy implementation. The report also calls for an action on the provincial disparity and recommended to promote renewable and decentralized solutions with a focus on reliable and economic use of energy to take action. On the industry innovation and infrastructure, SDG 9 illustrates a progress in the telephone penetration of about 85%. Progress in the industrialization strategy, we call PRONAE, and the special economic zones has been shown as drivers. The report calls for for a strengthening national value chain with a focus on agro-industry and local processing, the promotion of productive investments, technological innovation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 11, reflects an accelerated urbanization of about 50% and informal settlements. Nevertheless, The efforts made in early warning systems for disasters and the fiscal buffers illustrate the improvements made by the country. On the partnership and means of implementation, SDG 17, the RVN reveals 2 important messages. First, the mobilization of domestic revenues offsets the fall in official development assistance, ODA. From 21% in 2020 to 6.5% of the state budget in 2025. And second, the domestic budget has been mostly financed by the domestic fiscal revenue by almost 93%. Concluding, the 2026 RVN revealed the relevant progress in health, education, access to water, and electrification, but prevailing challenge in poverty eradication, nutrition improvement, youth employment, and informality of our economy. Also, the RVN called for acceleration of the government policies in order to achieve the following results. First, an inclusive economic transformation that generates decent jobs and broadens opportunities for young people. Second, the strengthening of human capital and social service, especially in health, education, water, and sanitation. Third, increasing the capacity of mobilization of funds to implement the national climate finance strategy and strengthening the early warning system. Fourth, more investment in data and digitalization. Fifth, sustainable finance and partnership with greater mobilization of domestic and external resources. Resource. And sixth, last but not least, inclusive social protection, gender equality, and equitable access to service and opportunities. To conclude, I have to say that the Government of Mozambique remains committed to address the recommendations provided by this 2026 VNR report and incorporate those recommendations in our policies, programs, and regulations in the spirit of leaving no one behind. Thank you for the attention.

I thank Madam Minister of Finance of Mozambique for the presentation. The Forum will next hear the voluntary national review by Burundi, and I invite His Excellency Frédéric Deputy Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of Burundi, to make a presentation. You have the floor, sir.

The presentation of Burundi will be in French. Thank you very much, President, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished ministers, all protocol observed. At the outset, I convey the greetings of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Burundi and Head of State, who sends his encouragement for the work of the High-Level Political Forum of ECOSOC. He reaffirms the commitment of Burundi to the 2030 Agenda. As well as its commitment to taking active part in international exchanges on sustainable development. The present report was drafted in a participatory manner, mobilizing national institutions, partners, and civil society based on the most recent data. We should specify that SDG 17 was not retained as one of our national priorities so that we could focus our efforts on goals that are directly linked to the essential needs of the population. Burundi will be focusing on presenting SDGs 6, 7, 9, and 11. With regard to SDG 6, that is guaranteeing access for all to water and sanitation and ensuring sustainable management of water resources, Burundi has improved access to drinking water with the percentage of our population that is using improved water sources that has increased from 82.3% in 2017 to 85.4% in 2021, and then 86.3% in 2024. Access to drinking water remains high in Burundi in the urban areas, of course, whereas the The rural zones have seen a slight regression. Despite this progress, rapid urbanization, demographic pressure, and the effects of climate change continue to cause risks of water shortages and interruptions, especially in rural and suburban areas. To address these challenges, The government is strengthening its institutional framework, expanding investment, renovating and expanding water networks, and is improving its management of hydric resources. The restoration of wetlands, protection of coastal areas, and the buffer zones for the Tanganyika Lake help to guarantee access to drinking water for the population. As for SDG 7, that is guaranteeing access of all to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services at an affordable price, we note that the energy sector in Burundi remains marked by low access to electricity, which was only 25.9% in 2025. due to insufficient production and transport capacity, as well as heavy reliance on hydroelectricity. To address this problem, the government is implementing a sectoral strategy and a national strategy for renewable energy, supported by the National Energy Pact. Which allocates $3.49 billion in investment. And we have enacted a revised law of 2024, which further expands participation of the private sector in the energy sector. The planned reforms include Major projects such as the construction of a dam on the Kabu 16 River, the Ruzibazi River, the Jiji Murambue River. And I can tell you that we are building these dams and we have inaugurated them recently.

Thank you.

Our goals include biogas and electricity production. We have increased our production by 3.5 times, increasing access to 30% in 2027 with planned increase of 70% in 2030 so that access to clean cooking solutions will will be attainable by 40% of households, and that will help contribute to attaining SDG 7. As for SDG 9, that is establishing resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization that benefits all and encouraging innovation, Burundi has achieved progress when it comes to SDG 9, thanks to improving its transport infrastructure, modernizing its port facilities, and preparing— paving the way for railway projects to bolster regional connectivity, especially with neighboring Tanzania and the DRC. Despite this progress, our industrial base remains limited and modern equipment is lacking, which means that we must step up investment to strengthen the resilience of our infrastructure. To address these challenges, the government supports industrialization and entrepreneurship through cooperatives, agroindustries, and dedicated financial institutions such as the The Youth Investment Bank, the Investment Bank for Women's Development, and the FIGA Investment and Guarantee Fund, the revitalization of the Burundi Normalization Fund, the improvement of the business environment, and the Visit Burundi initiative all contribute to strengthening competitiveness and to diversifying the economy. As for SDG 11, which means ensuring that cities and human establishments are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, Burundi continues to have a low urbanization rate, with most of its population living in rural and dispersed areas, which limit access to infrastructure and increase pressure on land. Bujumbura remains our economic center and Gitega is the political capital. While non-planned urban growth creates challenges when it comes to housing and essential services, progress has been achieved, including through the provincial land use scheme. As well as the rehabilitation of national highways RN1 and RN2, the attribution of land parcels in certain cities, as well as the creation of the Burundi Office of Urban Housing. Despite these efforts, the proportion of households living in poor neighborhoods remains high, showing that additional action is needed. As far as SDG prospects in Burundi with regard to UN issues, we have retained 5 transformative SDG targets. These include SDG 4.7 on education for sustainable development, 8.1 on GDP growth, 8.5 on full employment and decent work. 9.1 on inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and lastly 16.6 on effective and transparent institutions. Each of these targets has strong synergies with other targets and our priorities for accelerating progress for all SDGs in Burundi. In closing, with regard to the Voluntary National Review of Burundi, we have learned that engagement is extremely important and synergies of all— between all stakeholders Provides major benefits to better achieve the development goals of the country. Thank you very much, President.

Je remercie les chefs de cabinet.

I thank the Deputy Head of Cabinet of Burundi as well as her team for this presentation 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. Before I give the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind delegations to kindly limit their intervention to 2 minutes each. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany, to be followed by Palestine and Education and Academia Stakeholder Group.

Thank you, Chair. I would like to thank the governments of Burundi and Mozambique for presenting their VNRs today and make some comments on the VNR of Mozambique. I'd like to congratulate Mozambique for— on its efforts to implement the SDGs and the way your country upholds the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. The new VNR compared to the 2020 report demonstrates remarkable advancements in methodology, data availability, and analysis. I am impressed by the political equality of women in Mozambique. I saw 39% of your MPs are women.

That's something that Germany can clearly learn from.

As you stated in your VNR, Mozambique also faces major economic challenges, and particularly the poverty rates remain a concern. And perhaps you can elaborate on measures you are taking particularly to tackle poverty and youth unemployment.

Mozambique has high economic hopes pinned on its liquefied natural gas projects, and indeed transparent management of revenues and sovereign wealth funds can be an excellent source for social development.

Germany would like to also encourage Mozambique to continue implementing its ambitious energy transition strategy as consistently as it has done so far. And thereby reduce fossil fuel dependency. I would like to assure you that we stand by your side in finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Cabo Del Lago, and we actively support the inclusive national dialogue to bring about reforms that will tangibly and rapidly improve the lives of everyone. Finally, I'd like to applaud Mozambique for including the local level in your VNR. Germany also has had very good experience with including a broad range of stakeholders in our last VNR, including at the local level.

I thank Germany and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of State of Palestine, to be followed by Education and Academia Stakeholder Group and Tanzania.

Mr.

President, Excellencies, we congratulate Burundi and Mozambique on the excellent presentations of their voluntary national reviews. These are hard-earned achievements realized in spite of the challenges facing both countries. In this regard, we wish to highlight one such challenge in a question addressed to the delegation of Mozambique. With Mozambique's urban population expected to grow by nearly 80% over the next 3 decades, could the delegation kindly share examples of national strategies and policies being implemented to ensure sustainable land use and the promotion of resilient urban planning. I thank you.

I thank Palestine and now give the floor to the Education and Academia Stakeholder Group, to be followed by the United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, President.

We, the representatives of civil society, of major groups and other interlocutors, would like to welcome Burundi's 2nd VNR, as well as the efforts made by the government to implement Agenda 2030. But no progress can really be celebrated as long as the most vulnerable continue to be invisible. And as the proverb goes, you cannot You cannot see what you do not measure. It is concerning that 35% are still in the shadows due to a lack of data. This means that thousands of people are forgotten in public policymaking, and the fundamental principle of Agenda 2030 to not leave anybody behind should also be A reality, a budgetary reality in public services, in classrooms, in health centers, and everywhere in Burundi. There can be no development when a child is thirsty, when they are living in darkness. And today, speaking from civil society means Offering a reminder that today a better future for our children means access to water, access to education, energy, innovation, and this should become a priority for us. And that way we will be able to offer them a future that responds to their aspirations. Data should be disaggregated at the geographic level to really follow up on inequalities. How will the government include local groups in order to follow up on the SDGs for the 4 upcoming— microphone is cut off. I thank you.

I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, to be followed by the NGO Major Group.

Thank you very much, Chair. I commend Burundi for the progress made in the implementation of SDGs. But I have about 3 questions. How does Burundi intend to strengthen the quality and availability of statistical data, given that 35% of the indicators still lack usable information according to the report? The second one is, what concrete measures are planned to accelerate progress under the planet pillar? Which currently shows the lowest advancement rate, about 21.4%, and the highest is the proportion of missing data, which is 60.7%. The last question is, how does the government plan to operationalize the identified transformative targets, particularly targets 4.7, 8.5, 8.1, 9.1, and 16.6, which demonstrates strong synergies with other SDGs. I submit.

I thank you and give the floor to the NGO Major Group. That's a prerecorded statement.

Today I speak on behalf of 28 civil society organizations working across all 11 provinces. of our country. Through the activist Squarecut, we conducted an independent assessment of Mozambique's progress toward the SDGs.

Our findings are clear.

Based on the current trajectory, Mozambique is not on track to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

The assessment shows regression in key areas such as climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions and decent work. Progress in many other goals remains limited or stagnant. The reasons are well known.

Climate change continues to devastate communities through frequent and severe disasters. Conflict in the north part of Mozambique has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and continues to undermine development. Corruption weakens public institutions and diverts scarce resources.

At the same time, civic space is becoming more restricted, making it harder for civil society to contribute to accountability and inclusive development. Civil society welcomes opportunities for dialogue with the government and recognizes recent efforts to strengthen national development planning.

However, meaningful progress requires more than ambition.

It requires accountability, transparency, and genuine participation. As the international community reflects on the post-2020 State Development Framework, we call for stronger accountability mechanisms, greater investment in local-led solutions, fair management of public resources, and the protection of civic space. Communities, women, young people, and civil society must be recognized not simply as beneficiaries but as partners in shaping sustainable development. With inclusive leadership and collective action, progress is still possible.

Have the last speaker. It's Burkina Faso. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, before I begin, I would like to congratulate Mozambique and Burundi for the efforts deployed in order to. to meet the SDGs, and I would also like to thank them for their high-quality presentations. We have several questions, especially for Burundi. Burkina Faso would like to know what institutional mechanisms is Burundi foreseeing to strengthen national appropriation and leadership, something that was identified as a major lesson in their VNR? Second question, the roadmap for their Sustainable Financing Plans 2022, how will it be updated and implemented, taking into account the conclusions of the strategic dialogue with UNDP? And final question, How will you act in order to strengthen territorial appropriation of SDGs in order to ensure that development is balanced and that the principle of not letting anyone behind is applied? And I would like to say that our approach should be inclusive. It should take into account everyone. So what will Burundi do to assure the highest level of inclusiveness possible? I thank you.

I thank the representative of Burkina Faso.

I invite the presenters to briefly respond to the questions from the floor within 5 minutes possibly. I give the floor to Madam Minister. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to start by thanking you for all the comments questions and contributions that was raised to Mozambique via Nair presentation. I will start by expressing my appreciation for the German intervention. Germany is a country whose longstanding cooperation with Mozambique and has a significant contribution to the country development. So we would like to start by thanking you. But we take a very good note on the questions and comments that was raised that we would like to make some comments. The first of all is on the structural transformation of our economy, recommending that Mozambique must take some actions in order to improve all mechanisms in terms of policy implementation. And we have to say that we have now a 20-year national development Strategy, which identified very clear economic transformation as one of its key pillars. To this end, Mozambique is currently implementing a series of public and financial management reforms, which include, beside the consolidated fiscal plan with IMF, World Bank, we have implemented specific reforms tackling in order to tackle the needs of the population. And one of them is implementation of our National Development Bank, which is already approved by law. Now we are creating all process in order to put in implementation in order to achieve the results of financing the infrastructure, particularly those ones oriented to the social actions. We are also, regard to this first one, implementing a mutual guarantee fund in order to facilitate access to finance to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise. Related to sovereign fund, that we also receive a very good recommendation on this particular point, we have to refer that is a massive reform that was implemented by the government starting by the approval of law in 2024. The law clarifies a very clear fiscal rule where there is allocation of 60% of the revenues generated from the liquefied natural gas exploration to finance investment projects under the economic and social plan and state budget. And there is a remaining of 40% of these revenues that goes to savings that has been managed by the Central Bank of Mozambique. So we took this very good experience from the international experience that was addressed Mozambique, particularly the Norway case, which are the consultants that Mozambique has been implementing. And we create a very clear and transparent government framework in order to ensure accountability of all the sovereign fund implementation process, which includes a particular committee— we call it the Investment Committee— which advised the government in order to implement all the reforms on this regard. And also we have a supervised committee which is— that was addressed by the parliament in order to supervise all the process. So we believe that we are working in order to ensure the transparency that is also needed. And also on the needs for find some additional actions for and measures to poverty reduction and also achieve the young A population, we have to say, that was creating a very clear local initiative development fund, which is a local-based decision-making process where the funds come from the budget to the local society, and they identified the clear criteria where the funds have been identified in terms of the beneficiaries to this particular fund. We also received comments from the Palestinian on the population pressure that Mozambique has been faced. It's true, it's a massive effort that we have to work in order to ensure our demographic dividends. There is a particular action that was also addressed in our 20-year strategy in order to see how can we improve and increase the budget support from the initiatives in order to create health system, birth control, and support policies oriented to youth in order to ensure that the entire mechanism of dividend— demographic dividend has been addressed in our own policies. We also noted the comments on our inclusive national dialogue that has been implemented along our country. It's a massive process that is being implemented. We have also to refer that the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique guarantees the participation of all sectors of society in the public dialogue and decision-making through mutual sector stakeholder consultation forums at the national, provincial, district, and municipal levels. The country has created a conduct environment for broad national consultation. It is in this context that Mozambique prepared this particular voluntary national review using this very wide participative process where local human rights associations, youth, and people with disabilities were heard directly. For the post-HLPF follow-up will be conducted through the formal integration of the targets and recommendations into our economic and social planning state budget, which is the process that we use to follow up the mechanism of monitoring and evaluation. And I thank you.

I thank Madam Minister.

And now I give the floor to the chef de cabinet of the Prime Minister of Burundi.

Thank you, President, for giving me the floor once again, and thank you to civil society, to Tanzania and Burkina Faso for those extremely relevant and well-thought-out questions. And I'm going to speak to the question on the population in Burundi. That was civil society's question. 74% of the population is less than 20— is less than 25 years old, and around 16% Percent is between 0 and 4 years, and around 14% is between 5 and 9 years old, and about 13% is between 10 and 14 years old. And in terms of the availability of data and quality data, Burundi is doing everything possible to increase the frequency of surveys to improve our data collection capabilities. And for that, Burundi has been assigning a considerable budget in our annual budget plans. We've been doing this for several years. The idea is to improve our data collection capacity. Now, to the question on accelerating the SDG that relates to the planet. Yes, this SDG gets a low score. And yes, Burundi is doing everything possible to improve the environment and to improve its tracing capacities throughout the country. And each home has the obligation of planting at least 10 trees. And we're also protecting Our farmers and our herders, because this can affect the soil. And we're also working with different households to really drive home this point on conservation. And in terms of operationalizing transformational targets that Burundi has chosen, this process will depend on systematically integrating these SDGs in our sectorial plans and our community plans and It will also depend, of course, on mobilizing innovative financing to support these targets in different sectors such as education, employment, industry, and governance. When it comes to institutional mechanisms in order to ensure national appropriation and leadership, and this was identified as one of the major lessons in our implementation of the SDGs, The government will reinforce its coordinating role to implicate ministries even more, and we will make sure that local communities are accountable. We will have regular consultation frameworks with civil society organizations as well as technical partners and the private sector. There was a question on the implementation of the roadmap, the implementation of the roadmap for the financing strategy. The government is working with UNDP to bring on board the conclusions from civil in terms of mobilizing financial resources. And of course, we will promote public-private partnerships and we will explore innovative financial instruments. We will also implement a framework to follow up on the financing of the SDGs. This will help us make sure that we can better trace resources and ensure that investments will effectively contribute to And in terms of the last question on how these SDGs are locally applied, I can say that Burundi is currently operationalizing a decentralization policy, and different communities and localities get a specific budget so that they are able to implement the SDGs with a budget that is sufficient. President, these are just some brief responses to these questions, and I can also send written answers as well. Thank you.

Je vous remercie. Thank you, our distinguished presenters, for their responses. I also thank all delegations for their valuable contribution. So we conclude the consideration of both VNRs. I now briefly pause the meeting to allow the podium to be rearranged, and I invite the VNR presenters of Guinea-Bissau and Togo to take their seats on the podium.

Congratulations.

Dear colleague, let's restart. So, for the 3rd set of panel presentations, I'm pleased to welcome the distinguished presenters from Guinea-Bissau and Togo. Before we begin with the presentations, I would like to appeal to the presenting countries to adhere to the agreed 10 minutes per presentation, which will be allowed— which will be monitored with a timing device so as to allow sufficient time for all presenters as well as engagement with other member states and participants. I apologize in advance if there will be a need to interrupt speakers, and I hope that it will not come to that. With, with our cooperation, given the number of countries making PNR presentations at this year's HLPF, I believe that we'll understand the need to be disciplined so as to allow adequate time for presentations as well as interaction. interaction from the floor. So the Forum will first hear the voluntary national review by Guinea-Bissau, and I invite His Excellency Mamadou Diallo, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, to make a presentation. You have the floor, Mr. Minister.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the President of the Republic, the government, and the people of Guinea-Bissau, I extend my warm greetings to everyone present. Thank you, Mr. President, for giving Guinea-Bissau the opportunity to present its 2nd Voluntary National Review. Today, I will brief— briefly cover 4 key areas.

Thank you.

First is national development context. Second, progress towards the SDGs. Third is accelerating implementation and ensuring no one is left behind. Fourth is conclusion. To introduce Guinea-Bissau and provide context for our presentation, I invite you to watch a short video. Guinea-Bissau is a small island developing state located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, covering an area of approximately 36,125 square kilometers. The country is distinguished by its low-lying mainland and the Ramecau-Bijagos archipelago, comprising around 88 islands. island and a coastline extending over 350 kilometers. The country shares land borders with Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, while its western boundary opens onto the Atlantic Ocean. Its coastline is characterized by extensive estuaries and mangrove ecosystems, which support exceptional biodiversity and provide essential environmental services and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Guinea-Bissau is a young and dynamic nation. Approximately 35% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 35, while women represent 51.6% of the total population. The country has an annual population growth rate of 2.4%, and the life expectancy at birth currently stands at 64 years. Our nation is also distinguished by its rich ethnic and cultural diversity, which represents a valuable asset for social cohesion, national identity, and sustainable development. Despite persistent challenges, including climate vulnerability, limited financial resources, and structural development constraints, Guinea-Bissau remains firmly committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over recent years, the country has achieved important progress in several priority areas of the Sustainable Development Goals. These include expanding access to renewable energy and water resources, improving the resilience of the road infrastructure, strengthening social protection systems, and enhancing public sector governance through institutional reforms and continuous capacity building of public servants. These achievements reflect the government's strong commitment, supported by the development partners, civil society, the private sector, and the local community, to promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development.

Sustainable development.

As Guinea-Bissau presents its 2nd Voluntary National Review, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. We remain determined to strengthen partnerships, mobilize innovative solutions, and ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards a more more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future for all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I hope this brief video has offered a better understanding of our country, our people, and our development potential. Through the implementation of our National Development Plan, Fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda, Guinea-Bissau has continued to advance sustainable developments. Allow me to highlight 4 areas of progress. Energy. Access to electricity increased from 33% in 2020 to almost 36% in 2025. While access remains highest in Bissau, Rural electrification is expanding, with 14 additional localities expected to be connected by the end of 2026. Industry and innovation. Manufacturing now contributes about 10% of GDP, while ongoing efforts aim to strengthen productive sectors, encourage innovation, and create more employment opportunities. Infrastructure. Major investments are improving national connectivity through new roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure, strengthening regional integration and access to markets and services. Governance and human capital. Institutional reforms continue through capacity-building programs led by the National School of Administration strengthening public administration, planning, statistics, taxation, customs, and public procurement. Guinea-Bissau has reinforced its commitment to inclusion through the adoption of the National Social Protection Policy, expanded support for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities. Despite these achievements, important challenges remain, including rural-urban disparities, gender inequality, youth unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion. In addition, external economic shocks, dependence on cashew exports, limited fiscal space, and political and institutional constraints continue to affect the pace of development. To conclude, Guinea-Bissau remains fully committed to the 2030 Agenda. We have reinforced the integration of the SDGs into national planning, advanced reforms in energy, infrastructure, and governance, expanded social protection, and reinforced the foundations for sustainable development. However, accelerating progress will require stronger partnership, increased investment, and continued international cooperation so that no one is left behind. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank Mr. Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau for the presentation. The forum will next hear the voluntary national review by Togo, and I invite His Excellency Babertou Beadoube, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Development Planning of Togo, to make a presentation.

You have the floor.

Thank you, President, distinguished participants, all protocols observed. It's a great honor for me to take the floor on behalf of the President of the Economic Commissioner of the Republic of the Council, Council of the Republic of Togo. I'd like to thank you on behalf of the Government of Togo towards ECOSOC for inviting Togo to present its 5th Voluntary National Report at the High-Level Political Forum 2026. This invitation demonstrates leadership and complete commitment of the President of the Council toward Achieving the SDGs. Today, presenting our 5th report, which is especially focused on SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17, Togo once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment and resolve to improve its practices and methods when it comes to implementing the SDGs. Ladies and gentlemen, it's important to highlight that despite the many shocks, including security shocks, caused by terrorist attacks that we have been experiencing, we have maintained robust growth, macroeconomic stability, and are continuing its efforts towards social and territorial inclusion through implementing its governmental roadmap for 2025. The economic growth of Togo has gone from 2.2% in 2020 to 6.3% in 2025, which is an average of 6 percent over that period. Inflation has been controlled at 0.4%, which is far below the community threshold of 3%, with a debt level of 61.6%, which is lower than the community threshold of 70%. Thanks to these efforts, Togo has entered the category of countries with a medium human development level, with the Human Development Index With regard to SDG 6, the efforts of the government have allowed us to provide an additional 1.8 million people with drinking water between 2020 and 2025. This is an access level, access rate that has risen from 60% in 2020 to 86% in 2024. As far as our water resource management is concerned, concerned, we have achieved 100% coverage of the country. Thank you. it has risen from 34% to 46% in the same period. When it comes to sanitation, 40% of the water basins of Lomé have been managed, allowing for the sanitation of the neighborhoods around the capital. As for SDG 7, we have made efforts and have succeeded in increasing access to electricity from 50% in 2020 to 75.6% in 2025. As for rural electrification, this rate has increased from 18% to 34% over the same period. Our national production capacity has more than doubled, rising from 170 megawatts to 355 megawatts. The share of renewable energy in our energy mix has increased from 19% to 38%, and our energy dependence has declined from 65% to 48% over that same period. We should also note that we have electrified 696,000 new households, with 32.5% are connected now to the national grid, and 47.5% of households are electrified through solar kits. With regard to SDG 9, when it comes When it comes to land transport, we have a road network in good condition with almost 3 million inhabitants served, and have paved 865 kilometers of national roads, and have carried out a number of other roadworks. For air transport, the international airport, Yassine Bé Ayadéma, Currently has been brought into accordance with standards, over 90%. In this situation, it is the number 1 airport in West Africa and Central Africa, 2nd in Africa, and 3rd in the world when it comes to safety. With regards to safety, it is ranked 8th— the 8th airport in Africa, 56th airport in the world, with 1.5 million passengers As for maritime transport, in 2025, there was a reduction of 75% of the wait time for vessels in the Lomé Port, and we have helped to free up circulation in the port zone. With this progress, the Autonomous Port of Lomé has become the number 1 port in sub-Saharan Africa in the Lloyd's ranking of 2025. For container ports. As for industrialization, we've established an industrial platform in Adeti-Kope, which is in the outskirts of the capital, Lomé, over 131 hectares, which now have 12 operational industrial units, which has created more than 3,500 jobs for young people. In the digital sphere, we have data governance established through an integrated platform and have digitalized more than 300 administrative procedures for citizens and have operationalized a Tier 3 data center. In addition, 3 submarine cables and 3 fiber optic cables have been established, which places Togo number 2 as far as the World Bank's GovTech Index is concerned. We have noted a reduction as well in real estate tax from 5% to 1.5%, digitalization of real estate procedures and property transfers. And when it comes to urban transport, the government has built up our mass public transport capacity by acquiring a fleet of vehicles, reducing tariffs by 33%, and expanding the network to 19 15 lines covering 235 kilometers and 195 neighborhoods. As for the management of disaster risk, the percentage of households affected by disasters that have received assistance has doubled from 20% to 41% by 2025, showing that the government can effectively address disaster risk. To prevent these risks, Togo has 123 3 maps of flooding— flood zones, 36 local plans for disaster risk reduction, and 5 rapid evacuation plans for establishments that receive the public. As for waste management, we have technical landfill centers established in the 5 major economic zones of the country, with a center in Akepe for the Grand Lomé's um, waste. We have also focused on mobilizing domestic resources with a level of tax pressure that has increased from 12.2% in 2020 to 13.1% in 2025. We have thus increased our tax revenue from— by 77.2% between those years. Despite this progress, ladies and gentlemen, challenges remain when it comes to access essential services, actual transformation of the economy for job creation for youth and women, and in terms of territorial equity. To address these challenges, the government of Togo, led by the President of the Council, has established a governmental roadmap for 2026-2031, which is focused on 3 main pillars: protecting, uniting, and transforming. In closing, the government led by the President of the Council, His Excellency Mr. For— Mr. Jinsa Ya Zinbe, once again reaffirms its determination to continue its inclusion policy to make sure no one is left behind. In this vein, any initiative or recommendation to this end would only be of help in our momentum toward progress and development. Thank you.

I thank the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Planning and Development of Togo for that presentation.

We will now hear comments and questions from states and other participants, delegations who wish to intervene in the interactive discussion, including those who previously expressed their interest to the Group of Friends of VNRs are invited to press the microphone button on the console. Before I give the floor to the first speaker, I would like to remind delegations to kindly limit their intervention to 2 minutes each, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique, Madam Minister, to be followed by Morocco and Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like first of all to congratulate Guinea-Bissau and Togo for presenting their VNRs to this forum. Mozambique is committed to accelerate implementation of these DGs with the involvement of all stakeholders by 2030, leaving no one behind and seeking for other countries' experience and good practice. In this sense, I would like to address my question to Guinea-Bissau, a country whose report illustrates a huge commitment from the government to achieve the SDGs. We would like to hear from Guinea-Bissau the experience on the challenge faced as well as the good practice on the process of preparation the country VNR. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank, uh, Madam Minister and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco, to be followed by Pakistan and Women's Major Group.

Thank you, thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. I want to congratulate both Guinea-Bissau and Togo for presenting their VNR today. Um, my question is for for the honorable Minister of Togo. First of all, congratulations for the progress achieved and for the continued commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as you have highlighted in your presentation. My question is the following.

In light of your presentation, it appears that significant efforts have been undertaken since 2020 to ensure the effective implementation of the SDGs despite the multiple crises affecting the international community, including health, geopolitical tensions, security, and financial challenges. Could you elaborate further on the strategy adopted by Togo to sustain this momentum?

Thank you very much.

I thank Morocco and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, to be followed by Win-Win Major Group and India.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, and colleagues. Please accept my congratulations to all the countries who presented their VNRs this afternoon. My question is for the honorable representative from Togo. Given your country's experience preparing reports for the High-Level Political Forum, could you explain its approach to ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders, particularly civil society actors, in the preparation of today's review.

Thank you. I thank Pakistan and now give the floor to the Women's Major Group.

Distinguished delegates, we recognize that Guinea-Bissau is presenting this review during an institutional transition following the disruption of the November 2025 electoral process. This context matters for sustainable development. Restricted civic space, pressure on independent media, and concern regarding safety of civil society actors raise questions about the protection of human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, essential partners in achieving the SDGs. The NEPISO report acknowledges weak governance, limited rule of law, and questionable financial flows, while only 27.9% of gender-related SDG indicators are available. The economy's dependence on cashew export also leaves rural livelihoods, including those of women, vulnerable to shocks. Without strong institutions and an independent judiciary and a free press, progress on Goal 16 cannot be sustained. We ask, will the government ensure an independent investigation into intimidation and repression of civil society actors, restore affected media outlets, and guarantee free, transparent, and inclusive elections and a referendum with meaningful participation of women and civil society? How will civil society be guaranteed a formal role in SDG monitoring, and how will data gaps affecting women and rural communities be addressed?

Sustainable development requires

I thank you and now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India, to be followed by the NGO Major Group.

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I wish to begin by congratulating both Guinea-Bissau and Togo for presenting their VNRs, having presented our 3rd VNR just last year.

We appreciate how much effort has gone behind the preparation of the VNRs. Je m'adresse spécifiquement au monsieur. I'd like to ask the Secretary General of Togo. I congratulate you, first of all, on the progress achieved by Togo on the SDGs. And for clarity, I'll ask the question in English. Map of the government of Togo, which served as the national framework for implementing the SDGs in Togo, covered the period of 2020 to.

2025. Could you please share how your government intends to further consolidate in the coming years its commitment to a more just, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable world grounded in poverty eradication, protection of the planet, and the promotion of peaceful and resilient societies?

I think India, India, and last speaker is NGO Major Group.

Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Togolese civil society, we commend the efforts of the government as presented in their 6th National Voluntary Report. The progress made in terms of water sanitation, transport infrastructure, and health and partnerships demonstrate a determination to make progress for the SDGs, but the 2030 Agenda recalls a more pressing need, that is to leave no one behind. Behind every indicator is a face— the face of a woman, an elderly person, a youth, a person with disabilities, a child— rural communities that are still waiting for development to transform their daily lives. Civil society is convinced that the challenges still to be addressed are also opportunities to build more inclusive development. We encourage the government to continue its efforts to strengthen citizen participation and increase investment in the most vulnerable populations, as well as to consolidate partnerships with civil society organizations whose local action complements the action of public authorities. As Nelson Mandela said, nothing seems possible until it is done. Let us ensure that by 2030, no one can say that development left me behind without entering my door. In this spirit of shared responsibility, we can really impart meaning to the 2030 Agenda. Thank you.

I thank you and now invite the distinguished presenters to briefly respond to the questions from the floor within 5 minutes. I give the floor first to His Excellency Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional integration of Guinea-Bissau. You have the floor, Mr. Minister.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. To respond to the question of Mozambique, I would like to say that the process was aligned with the Decree Number 52/2024 issued by His Excellency the Prime Minister. We work with the vulnerable groups groups actively participated through civil society platforms, such as the National Movement and the Citizen Convention Initiative, which provide 10 dialogue and consultation reports from rural populations. We make the community diagnostics from the citizens' conventions were directly integrated, capturing social perceptions of the past 3 years. The process also including sitting and multi-sectoral thematic groups and holding extended technical and political validation sections. Responding the question of the group of the women, I would like to say that the country is free and everyone is free to express their opinions. The court are functioning very well and the press is free. We are making every effort to hold the election on the scheduled date. We also hold a referendum for the constitution, so the country is moving on. We have challenges, but we think that we will keep going on. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I thank you, Mr. Minister. And now I give the floor to the Secretary-General.

I beg your pardon.

Thank you very much, President. I would like to thank Morocco, India, Pakistan, and civil society for taking such an interest in our presentation. Going back to the question by Morocco, what was the strategy that Togo adopted to maintain momentum in implementing the SDGs despite many crises. We should underscore that after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda of the UN, which incorporates the SDGs, Togo placed them in the context of our national development situation by drafting a National Development Plan for 2018-2022. The implementation of this plan evolved in a context that was marked by its ownership by all of the development actors. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a health and socioeconomic shock that hindered the implementation of the government's initial vision for the Governmental Roadmap 2020-2025. We then revised the plan through creating and adopting a roadmap to consolidate, to build peace, taking into account the security crises that existed, and also to make Togo a modern nation with inclusive and sustainable growth that could create jobs. The particularity of this governmental roadmap for 2025 lies in its focus on a limited number of We only laid out 10 goals as well as 35 pivotal projects with far-ranging effects on the population, and we had an institutional framework for implementation that sought out synergies and interdependencies in order to create this synergistic impact on the population. The governmental roadmap is the implementation framework for SDGs, which took effect in September 2025. But since January 1st, the government has taken stock of the implementation of the roadmap of 2025 and have learned— has learned lessons of the challenges we faced as well as priorities, and has analyzed the international context, a difficult one which the world facing, and based on that, crafted a roadmap for 2026 to 2031, which is based upon 3 pillars, namely protecting, uniting, and transforming. Protecting— protection means expanding our defense capacity in light of the terrorist threats we're facing. We are a frontline country, so we've seen spillover of terrorist attacks from the Sahel Bringing public decisions closer to ordinary citizens to create a public that is closer to decision-making, in which each citizen has equal access to fundamental rights. And the state has to also be present and listening to the local reality so that we have greater social inclusion and justice. The 3rd pillar of our roadmap is transforming, which means strengthening infrastructure, expanding investment in drivers of production of the Togolese economy, especially agriculture, logistics, green— the green industry, and we are also focusing on innovation and human capital for sustainable growth that creates jobs. For the question by Pakistan with regard to the involvement of civil society in the planning and follow-up process, Togo has made the participation-based approach a priority in its process of planning, follow-up, and assessment of development policies and programs. To this end, as is the case with other processes, we drew up our voluntary national report based on an inclusive participatory approach, and we brought together all of the actors involved in development, including civil society in all of its diversity and many dimensions. The contribution of civil society was coordinated by working groups in civil society organizations focused on SDGs. This took the civil society— took the form of a major network that worked closely with the government and technical and financial partners in order to implement the 2030 Agenda. This working group is the main national coalition of civil society and brings together more than 500 organizations and ensures the involvement of citizens in our policies and the achievement of the 17 SDGs. I thank the Togolese civil society groups, which are so deeply involved in planning, as well as follow-up and evaluation of development policies in Togo. And I assure you, civil society actors, that the Togolese government Places great weight on your recommendations and counts on you for helping to draft the next governmental roadmap. His Excellency, the President of the Council, has ensured that a broad consultation would take place during the month of June, consulting actors at the central level as well as in regions and communities in order to take into account the viewpoints and priorities of the population. to ensure that no one in Togo is left behind as we implement this governmental roadmap. Thank you, President.

Thank you.

I thank our distinguished presenters for their responses, and I thank delegations and all participants for their valuable contributions. We have thus completed our programme of work for this meeting and for the first week of the Forum. Again, congratulations to Guinea-Bissau and Togo. The Forum will reconvene on Monday, 13th of July at 10 AM in the General Assembly Hall for the opening of the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council and the Ministerial Days of HLPF. I wish all delegates a pleasant weekend. The meeting is adjourned. Again, congratulations.