Written by: Angelo Cardona, coordinator of Latin America and Representative of the International Peace Bureau (IPB) to the United Nations, Co-founder and President at the Ibero-American Alliance for Peace, and ambassador of Colombia to the Youth Assembly.
In July 2024, the United Nations convened its High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. The HLPF happens at a pivotal moment when we are witnessing the surge of new conflicts and threats, such as the potential scalation of conflicts that could lead to nuclear confrontation, which would endanger human survival, and the perils of climate change affecting countries worldwide.
Under the auspices of ECOSOC, this year’s HLPF gathered to review in depth the progress towards achieving five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). Alongside reports from the Member States, the Forum held an ECOSOC ministerial segment and a high-level general debate.
The forum began with a comprehensive review of global progress towards the SDGs. While some gains were acknowledged, such as improvements in healthcare access and poverty reduction in certain regions, significant gaps and setbacks were highlighted. Persistent challenges included rising inequality, environmental degradation, and uneven economic growth, underscoring the need for intensified multilateral cooperation.
During the ministerial segments, we heard messages from the regions, including the Arab states, which noted the need for a holistic reform of the multilateral system and called for regulation to address the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, as a tool of war. Latin America and the Caribbean called for increased investment in social protection and economic opportunities, recommending that the international community strengthen measures on biodiversity, disaster risk reduction, and youth participation.
Europe outlined opportunities to advance technology and climate awareness. Africa stressed the impact of debt on domestic investment and pointed to recommendations for the Summit of the Future to enhance the international financial architecture.
Efforts to advance peacebuilding and conflict resolution took center stage during the forum. Delegates emphasized the imperative of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and international cooperation in resolving protracted conflicts and preventing the outbreak of new hostilities. The role of the UN and its agencies in supporting conflict-affected countries and promoting inclusive peace processes was reaffirmed as pivotal for sustainable development.
Nicaragua, also speaking on behalf of Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Russia, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, stressed that more than 40 countries are suffering from the negative impacts of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs)—economic sanctions—that hinder the sustainable development aspirations of developing countries. So, Nicaragua called for a proposed amendment to the Ministerial declaration highlighting the reality suffered by more than 40 countries. North Korea, South Africa, and Tanzania joined as co-sponsors of the amendment.
The UK and the US expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed amendment. The UK stated that autonomous sanctions support the fundamental purposes of the UN charter and ensure compliance with human rights, adding that the country always ensures these measures are accompanied by arrangements to deliver humanitarian assistance.
The US, on its part, lamented the “hi-jacking of the negotiations to advance narrow, political ends.” Furthermore, it stressed that “sanctions are a legitimate means for responding to malign activity and addressing threats to peace and security, human rights, and good governance.”
The US and UK requested a vote, with 105 voting in favor, 11 voting against, and 46 abstaining. Following the vote, the EU dissociated from the adopted amendment. Noting it had abstained from voting “on principle,” it expressed regret at including the “hostile amendment” submitted by a few countries. It lamented the “false narrative” surrounding unilateral sanctions.
The amendment was approved, as amended (E/HLPF/2024/L.3), with the insertion of a new paragraph 15, which states, “We reiterate that States are strongly urged to refrain from promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impede the full achievement of economic and social development, in particular in developing countries.”
On the other hand, Israel called for a vote on retaining a paragraph stating that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security and that peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development. Israel explained that her call for a vote against the retention of the paragraph aimed to discourage the politicization of the HLPF.
In the vote to keep the paragraph, 122 voted in favor, 2 voted against, and 39 abstained. The paragraph was retained in the Ministerial Declaration. Finally, the Ministerial Declaration, as amended (E/HLPF/2024/L.1). Following the voting, Israel disassociated from the declaration´s paragraph on the interlinkage of peace and justice with sustainable development.
After the two votes, countries reiterated their commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to eradicate poverty, climate action, de-escalation of violence, and solid multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve the SDGs.
The forum acknowledged that some progress has been made; however, significant efforts are still needed to meet the Goals during a fracturing multilateralism. However, we cannot lose hope. Our future is at stake, and our responsibility is to build the systems that lead us to a more sustainable world. The Summit of the Future will be our best opportunity to do it; as stated by the UN Secretary-General, the summit is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate global action, recommit to fundamental principles, and further develop the frameworks of multilateralism so they are fit for the future.”
