The convergence of multiple global crises has dialed back much hard-earned progress and sounded the alarm for urgent accelerated action to get the Asia-Pacific region back on track to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. There is still much to be done to turn SDG commitments and ambition into reality within the next seven years.
The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) this July brings countries together to ensure that COVID-19 recovery strategies are inclusive, sustainable and leave no one behind despite the mounting challenges and crises ahead.
The Forum will further hold in-depth reviews of Sustainable Development Goals 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and 17 (partnerships for the Goals).
At this year's HLPF, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will showcase regional initiatives and more in its engagements. ESCAP will also highlight the need for sustained and scaled up financing for sustainable development; investments to build the resilience of people, cities and economies; comprehensive and authoritative data in driving actionable SDG policies; and bolstering collaboration and partnerships at all levels to advance the SDGs.
Eleven countries from the Asia-Pacific region will be presenting their second voluntary national review (VNR): Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Fiji, the Maldives, Mongolia, Singapore, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Viet Nam. Second-generation VNRs play a critical part in the follow-up and review process, as they can facilitate the integration of SDGs into policymaking and planning processes and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
