Li Junhua (2nd R, Rear), UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs, speaks at the launch of “The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition” at the UN headquarters in New York, on July 10, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie E)
It’s essential to remember that Agenda 2030 is “a global program,” inclusive of all nations, as it holds “equal importance for developed and developing countries,” Lachezara Stoeva, the president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) said.
By Xinhua writer Wang Jiangang
UNITED NATIONS, July 12 (Xinhua) — Against the sobering state of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only 12 percent of them on track, a UN official called for a “reaffirmation of commitment,” a “refocusing” on the SDGs, and a “redoubling of efforts.”
Lachezara Stoeva, the president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Wednesday, highlighting the significance of maintaining optimism in the face of sobering facts.
Optimism can only be grounded in reality when certain vital factors, such as solidarity, political will, and unwavering commitment, are ensured, she said.
Stoeva referred to the statistics unveiled by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in April, which indicated that only 12 percent of the SDG targets are currently on track. She emphasized the pressing need for the international community to come together and mobilize at all levels to actively pursue the 2030 Agenda.
“We are off track. Statistics are depressing, but this is the only framework we have for development. And we should stick to it,” Stoeva told Xinhua amidst a demanding schedule at the ongoing High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), where the progress of the SDGs in critical areas such as clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, among others, is being diligently reviewed.
“We need a strong commitment on behalf of our leaders to the SDGs and for the next seven years,” she added.
It’s essential to remember that Agenda 2030 is “a global program,” inclusive of all nations, as it holds “equal importance for developed and developing countries,” she said.
However, the ECOSOC president said that “the good news is that we still have seven more years to catch up. So, if there is enough political will, and we join forces, there is a strong chance (that) will be very close to achieving the goals by 2030.”
Stoeva underscored the significance of solidarity in the journey towards achieving the SDGs. “We have to improve solidarity,” she stressed.
“Despite the obvious divisions that we can probably sense politically, there is solidarity in terms of development,” she pointed out.
The 2023 ECOSOC (UN Economic and Social Council) Youth Forum is held at the UN headquarters in New York, on April 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie E)
The ECOSOC president emphasized the notable “engagement and enthusiasm” level during the high-level event.
“We are talking about the holistic approach to sustainable development goals. It’s also a whole society approach. This means that we, as member states have to accept and have to be willing to work with all stakeholders,” Stoeva stressed.
“The (2030) Agenda belongs to everybody in order for us to implement it. We do need stakeholders,” she added.
“Local level is where we need to start and that’s how you have to act locally in order to change things globally,” she said, adding that “every country and all of us individually have to ask ourselves, what’s our role as an individual, as an entity to achieve the sustainable development goals.”
When addressing the highly debated reform of the financial systems, the ECOSOC president expressed that the current international financial institutions “were created at such a different time, and they responded to different needs.”
“Obviously, they need to be updated,” she said. “They need to be fair, because, at the moment, they’re not as fair as they have to be,” she added.
“The world needs a new system, … we don’t need more and more indebted countries. This will not solve the issues for us,” she said.
When discussing the pathway to expedite progress towards the targets, Stoeva stated that “we need to see how we can get them on board and work together with them. Again, (the) inclusion of all stakeholders.”
“Across the board, we are not doing too well, but we still are at the midpoint,” said the ECOSOC president.
“The game is usually decided in the second half, not in the first,” said Stoeva.■
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