July 17, 2023 New York City, New York Employment and Social Development Canada
Combatting inequalities, protecting the planet, and providing every person with the opportunities they need to prosper are fundamental principles of sustainable development. These principles are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This 15-year action plan, adopted by all United Nations (UN) Members States, provides us with a vibrant and hopeful roadmap to build a better world together. Canada strongly supports the UN 2030 Agenda and is working together with national and international partners to enable and accelerate progress on the SDGs.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, will attend the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York City from July 17 to19 as head of the Canadian delegation, and will be joined by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, Anita Vandenbeld.
On July 17, Minister Gould will deliver Canada's National Statement, reinforcing leadership on the 2030 Agenda and underlining the significance of gender equality and human rights. On July 18, the Minister will host Canada's official side-event on leveraging social innovation to advance the SDGs with UN counterparts, intergovernmental organizations, civil society and youth stakeholders and experts.
On July 19, Minister Gould will present Canada's Voluntary National Review (VNR), highlighting Canada's progress towards achieving the 17 SDGs, lessons learned, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing the 2030 Agenda at home and abroad. In our efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs, Canada has focused on advancing five priorities: No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). Minister Gould will highlight that Canada has surpassed its interim poverty reduction target and emphasize Canada's support for women, girls and gender diverse people, including through international assistance.
The Government of Canada has an ambitious agenda on sustainability; socially, economically, and environmentally. Canadians are working hard to be change-makers in their own communities, across the country, and around the world. This includes the SDG Funding Program recipients who are helping to create community resources to enhance and share local-level knowledge on the SDGs. Internationally, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, are co-chairing the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates Group. Together, they advocate for the important global issues including fighting climate change, protecting nature, and empowering women and girls all over the world.
