New York, 16 July 2024 (ECA) - Speaking on behalf of the five Regional Economic Commissions at the High Level Political Forum holding in New York, the ECA Executive Secretary Mr. Claver Gatete called on member states, partners, the UN system and all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships for “building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions to accelerate the achievement of Goal 16 of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).” SDG 16 provides the framework for peace, justice for all, and strong institutions, which are fundamental for accelerating progress of other SDGs and leaving no one behind.
Mr. Gatete outlined the following key actions extracted from his remarks, requiring urgent attention:
First, it is imperative that we establish or strengthen governance institutions with clear mandates, robust structures and adequate resources (human and financial).This includes enhancing data collection and reporting capabilities through competent recruitment and continuous capacity building for public sector employees.
Second, we must address the critical issue of insufficient and restricted access to data. We propose to establish or reinforce data collection systems, ensuring transparency and accountability to the public.
Third, effective governance oversight is essential, bolstered by independent parliamentary and audit agency oversight.
Fourth, improving access to justice and enhancing the professionalism of legal systems are paramount to achieving Goal 16.
And fifth, combating corruption and illicit financial flows is crucial. Strict implementation of anti-corruption laws and strategies is necessary to safeguard national fiscal security and institutional integrity.
Held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, the theme of the HLPF 2024 is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”.
The five sister Regional Economic Commissions are ECLAC, ECE, ESCWA, ESCAP.
About HLPF 2024:
Follow updates on #HLPF2024 on Social media and online at: https://hlpf.un.org/2024
The HLPF is reviewing in-depth: Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere; Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
The HLPF in July 2024 is the first HLPF under the auspices of ECOSOC after the 2023 SDG Summit - convened under the auspices of the General Assembly in September 2023. The 2024 HLPF will support the implementation of the Political Declaration and other outcomes of the SDG Summit for advancing the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
https://www.uneca.org/eca-events/eca-at-hlpf2024
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org