By: ATN News

United Nations: The ministerial segment of the High-Level Political Forum, hosted by the Economic and Social Council-ECOSOC, opened Monday with a solemn and urgent message from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Delivered by Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, the address underscored the critical juncture at which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently stand and called for immediate and bold actions from all member states.

"Thank you for the opportunity to deliver this statement on behalf of the Secretary-General. I congratulate the President of the Economic and Social Council for her leadership," Mohammed began, setting a tone of both gratitude and gravity.

The forum, held in the General Assembly Hall—the birthplace of the SDGs nine years ago—served as a stark reminder of the promises made to millions worldwide. "From the very start, the Goals represented a promise of a better future to hundreds of millions of people across the world," Mohammed recounted. However, she noted the troubling reality that emerged during last September's assembly: halfway to the 2030 deadline, the SDGs were in peril, with only 17 percent of targets on track.

Mohammed outlined the significant barriers to progress, including lack of financing, geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts, the climate emergency, and a crippling debt crisis that hampers many countries' development efforts. "We don’t have a moment to lose," she stressed, reiterating Guterres' call for a rescue plan introduced at the previous year's SDG Summit.

The Secretary-General's message emphasized four critical areas for urgent acceleration:

**1. Peace**: Mohammed highlighted the devastating impact of conflicts in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, which drain political attention and resources from crucial development efforts. "It’s time to silence the guns in line with the UN Charter and international law," she urged, advocating for investment in peace and development over war and destruction.

**2. Green and Digital Transitions**: The call to action included accelerating the energy transition, transforming food systems, and forging a new deal with nature. "Our pursuit of a better future cannot come at the expense of our planet," Mohammed warned. She also called for increased investment in digital connectivity, ensuring that transitions are just and inclusive, with expanded access to education, stronger social protection, and decent jobs.

**3. Financial Action**: Addressing the growing SDG financing gap, Mohammed pointed to promising initiatives like the reform of multilateral development banks and the recycling of special drawing rights. However, she acknowledged these efforts as insufficient. "We must go further and faster to deliver an SDG Stimulus," she declared, advocating for increased lending capacity, expanded contingency financing, and comprehensive debt solutions.

**4. Commitment to 'Leave No One Behind'**: Mohammed reiterated the SDGs' foundational promise to prioritize the most vulnerable. "Achieving this agenda means placing vulnerable people and groups at the forefront of national development plans, policies, and budgets," she stated, calling for the dismantling of discriminatory laws and the strengthening of inclusive institutions.

In concluding, Mohammed emphasized the unifying power of the SDGs in a divided world. "The Goals can also mend the social contract between people and power—between governments and the citizens they represent and serve," she asserted. The success of the SDGs hinges on keeping the promises made nine years ago, to end poverty, protect the planet, and drive shared prosperity.

"The United Nations family stands with you as your engine room for SDG acceleration," Mohammed affirmed, urging the forum to use every remaining day of the next six years to advance progress. As deliberations begin, the message from the UN leadership is clear: the time for action is now, and the future of sustainable development depends on it.