New York, 14 July 2022 – Policy Makers and leading stakeholders from around the world have called for a united global effort to combat ongoing crises and deliver meaningful change and sustainable development. These issues were emphasized during the “Messages from the Regions” session during the 2022 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The HLPF is an annual gathering of government, civil society, youth and private sector representatives from around the globe to address pressing socioeconomic issues and propose a sustainable way forward for the planet.
The session heard interventions from environmental stakeholders across the globe, including Arlette Soudan-Nonault, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Congo and technical coordinator of the Congo Basin Climate Commission. She highlighted the importance of operationalizing Blue Funds in the region, with the support of ECA.
As Chair of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, H.E. Mr. Uzziel Ndagijmana, Minister of Finance of Rwanda, observed the key trends and messages from the region, including a call for international cooperation on vaccine availability, financing for climate action including through the meeting of commitments and the new Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, women’s empowerment, data and technology, and carbon pricing, amongst other key messages.
Mama Keita, Director of the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa, stressed the importance of innovative financing in Africa and cooperation with international partners, and climate actions including through the Congo Basin Blue Fund.
The Session stressed the importance of regional and sub-regional approaches to crisis recovery, through cooperation between countries and the sharing of lessons and best practices amongst partner countries. As we approach the halfway mark between the adoption and finish line of the 2030 Agenda, such partnerships will be key in accelerating progress. Regional visions such as Agenda 2063 of the African Union complement these global efforts and provide the needed context-specificity for inclusive development that is meaningful and impactful for our communities.
African countries have had a very strong presence at this year’s HLPF, with a record 21 African countries presenting Voluntary National Reviews of their sustainable development progress – the most in any year from any region.
Tune in to tomorrow’s final HLPF events here.