A crucial annual meeting of the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) has started in New York. The core United Nations platform, with the contributions of 47 countries, will review the state of play of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the implementation of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since their adoption in 2015, the S&D Group has been strongly engaged and a vocal advocate for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
S&D coordinator in the development committee, Udo Bullmann, commented: “The dramatic COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented wake-up call for the whole international community about the urgent need to address still widely spread inequalities and poverty. “The pandemic must under no circumstance turn into an excuse to hit the break on the common effort to achieve the SDGs, which represent the compass for recovery. On the contrary, we should gear up our efforts to demonstrate a real solidarity with the most vulnerable who are the most exposed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Hence, we call on the international community and the EU, as a global player, to strongly come together on concrete actions, such as debt relief for developing countries, investments and reconstruction.”
“It’s now time for a systemic shift toward a more sustainable and inclusive economy, more resilient, just and equal societies and to fight against climate change, for the benefit of people and the environment.”
Simona BONAFE
S&D vice-president responsible for Sustainable Development Goals, Simona Bonafè, added: “If we want to be strategic and also aim at a new socio-economic paradigm for the most vulnerable countries, we must be sure that the international community and the EU realise that the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as an opportunity to invest in a new development model which complies with sustainability and circular economy criteria. “
#SDGs, “Climate change, protection of the environment, and a more inclusive and fair society are all important goals for the SDGs. These goals are the only and the wisest way forward to boost investments and reconstruction after COVID-19. “
“The EU should play a leading role here, starting with the inclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals in the European Semester.”
