The High-level segment of the Economic and Social Council, which aims at providing leadership to the discussion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was opened by Ambassador Sadjik. In facilitating ministers in attendance to contribute to the discussion, the Ambassador detailed the outcome of the deliberation of the High Level Political Forum so far. For instance, he highlighted the central place of promoting sustainable consumption and production pattern in the SDGs, the essentiality of rule of law and good governance, and the need for government to interact with civil society, the scientific community and the business sector.

The Secretary-General’s remarks reminded ministers in audience that the SDGs must build on the work of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As the opening of the segment coincides with the release of the 2014 MDG Report, he stated that “we are at an historic juncture with several milestones before us”. While celebrating the achievements of MDGs in halving extreme poverty population and improving gender disparity in school enrolment, he also addressed the fact that progress is uneven among goals and regions. He appealed that the SDGs “must be to leave no one behind”, and urge the forum to give “impetus to agenda-setting throughout the UN system”.

Ambassador Ashe recounted the General Assembly meetings held under the banner of “Setting the Stage”, which he believed that the result-oriented discussion outcome contributes to the deliberation process so far. He also mentioned the High Level Political Forum’s role in monitoring the achievements of the SDGs, and urged ministers to consider how they should exercise such functions.

Ms. Agbarakwe called for member states to put young people in the center of the SDGs, as they are often the “first victims of unsustainable development”. She concluded her remarks in a powerful statement – “we want a world that want us”.

Meeting Title: Opening of the high-level segment of the 2014 session of the Economic and Social Council and the three-day ministerial meeting of the high-level political forum on sustainable development
Speakers: His Excellency Mr. Martin Sajdik (Austria), President of the Economic and Social Council; His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. John W. Ashe, President of the General Assembly; Ms. Esther Agbarakwe, Founder of Youth Climate Coalition of Nigeria
Location: Trusteeship Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters
Date: 7^th July 2014
Written by WIT Representative: Harrison Chung
Edited By WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan