“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - The Road to Happiness”

High-level Political Forum (HLPF) is a core platform of United Nations to arrange annual follow-ups and reviews of the "2030 Sustainable Development Agenda " and " Sustainable Development Goals”. The forum encourages for full and effective participation of all NGO/CSO and Member States of the United Nations. Secretary General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has stated "The 2030 Agenda is our road map and its goals and targets are tools to get there. "

During July 9^th to 18^th 2019, the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development took place at United Nations New York Headquarters. The theme of this year was " Empowering people to ensure inclusion and equality ".

It attracted more than 1,000 world leaders from the political, business, and civil society fields. The participating parties discussed the progress made by dozens of countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and share effective practices based on the Secretary-General’s annual progress report.

During the High-level Political Forum, an interactive exhibition on the theme of “The Power of Education” was also being held at United Nations Headquarters.

The following is WHAO’s meeting schedule and brief report of the HLPF 2019:

01

On July 15^th, a panel discussion organized by UNESCO, “Everyone, fair and inclusive quality education: the urgent task of the 21st century” was held at United Nations Headquarters.  Attendees included UNESCO directors, representatives of the 2030 Agenda Steering Committee, more than 20 non-profit NGOs including WHAO , and other educational and scholarly groups, etc.

02

As one coalition member of PaRD, WHAO was invited to participate in the coalition-sponsored on July 16th.  The event’s theme was "A common goal - the role of religion in the maintenance of peace - the goals of sustainable development 16: peace, justice and strong institutions ." Afterwards, parallel meetings were held at the World Council of Churches. 

03

On July 16^th, a UNICEF-sponsored parallel meeting focused to "advocate youth education in order to achieve the 2030 agenda “, the co-sponsor, including the world's largest educational and partner institutions Nord Anglia Education, and others shared this year's HLPF joint activities, focused on education and the importance of youth development.

04

On the evening of July 16^th, 2019, WHAO co-hosted and participated in the discussions of " Strengthen South-South cooperation to achieve inclusive equality and harmonious society," as a Steering Committee Organization of the Alliance of South-South Cooperation (ANCSSC).  The sessions were held by the United Nations Office for South-South.

At the event, WHAO’s Chairman was honored as one of the guest speakers, and spoke on " History of China and South-South cooperation and the future ". Speakers included the Queen of the Republic of the Congo, Chairman of the WHAO, Chairman of the UN South-South Office (UNOSSC), the founders of the non-profit organizations African Views and Global One, and the High Representative of the World Council of Churches. All guest speakers shared and explored on how to develop multilaterally on a global scale, effectively promote cooperation between the countries of the South, and better strengthen the advantages of developing countries to advance the UN 2030 sustainable development goals.

05

WHAO was invited to participate in the Arab in Permanent Mission of the United Nations-sponsored " Long Way to Sustainable Development Goals: The Impact Of Governance " parallel meetings and representatives of non-profit organizations from various countries have joined in this time to explore together.  

 06

On the morning of July 17^th 2019, WHAO attended " Man And Nature - To Promote The 2030 Agenda Process And To Avoid Planetary Catastrophe Solution " parallel meeting jointly organized by the United Nations Environment Program, the Government of Costa Rica, the Costa Rican Mission to the United Nations, the European Union and other organizations. WHAO conducted a friendly discussion on the ecological balance of environmental protection with non-profit organizations in various countries, then would cooperate with local organizations in New York on environmental protection projects.  

07

On the evening of July 18^th, an event organized by the Steering Committee of NGO, " International Day of Global Citizenship Education," was held at United Nations Headquarters. Non-profit and non-governmental organizations from around the world participated and enjoyed the talks and entertainment.

08

From July 16^th to 18^th, a three-day " Ministerial High-level Political Meeting " was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Ministers or representatives of various countries have spoken at the conference and conducted an annual summary report on the progress of countries in implementing the 2030 agenda. The focus was on the following six sustainable development goals:  

•            Target 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and to provide lifelong learning opportunities for all 

•                Target 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work 

•                Target 10. Reduce inequalities between and within countries 

•                Target 13. Take urgent action to address climate change and its impacts 

•               Target 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive society to promote sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, at all levels and to establish effective, accountable and inclusive institutions

•                Target 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalization of the global partnership for sustainable development department

09

On July 19^th, 2019, WHAO and fellow NGO African Views, co-organized the " World Conference of Trade and Investment Forum."  Invited were several African royalty and international non-profit organization partners, who spoke on various trade and investment topics.  Participants included the Queen of the Republic of the Congo, the King of the Republic of Ghana, and so on. At the end of the conference, WHAO 's partner manager delivered a closing speech and expressed that WHAO would actively promote the development of South-South cooperation and achieve sustainable development goals through extensive multilateral cooperation. 

Mandela International Day

Nelson Mandela International Day, held on July 18th, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in recognition of the former South African President Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. UN General Assembly resolution called on people in their respective communities to take action and play a role in commemorating the International Day with practical action (community services).

Espinosa said, "Community service represents the true spirit of Nelson Mandela. It is dealing with people in a normal environment, focusing on action, rather than using high-sounding words. The food can connect diplomats, politicians and The United Nations together, because it allows people from different backgrounds and industries to sit at one table and chat together. This means we need to meet with you, listen to your voice, support and serve you, work with you, and work hard to build a safer, fairer and more sustainable world."