Deputy UN Chief Urges Commitment to Sustainable Development

“Raw power” is challenging the foundations of multilateralism, according to the UN’s Deputy Chief, Amina Mohamed. Speaking at the Economic and Social Council’s annual coordination segment, she urged member states to intensify efforts to secure financing for development, alleviate debt burdens, and expedite progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. With only five years remaining to meet the ambitious goals set forth in the Agenda, Mohamed emphasized the urgency for nations to build on recent commitments made during development conferences.

Multilateralism Under Pressure

During the opening session, Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Vice-President of the Council, highlighted the need to reaffirm and demonstrate the effectiveness of multilateralism. He noted that in the face of multiple crises, coordination has become essential for maintaining collective credibility. The theme for this year’s Coordination Segment, “Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs for a sustainable future for all,” aims to facilitate in-depth reviews of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water, affordable energy, and sustainable cities. The segment featured discussions led by prominent figures, including former and current Council presidents, who shared insights on the Council’s 80-year history and its milestones.

Challenges to the UN Framework

Ivan Šimonović, a former Council president, warned of a deteriorating global context where disrespect for the UN Charter and international law is becoming normalized. He pointed out that while the Economic and Social Council has achieved significant milestones, structural weaknesses continue to hinder its effectiveness. He called for a shift from optional coordination to a more cohesive approach that prioritizes results over mere declarations. Paula Narváez, the current Council president, echoed these sentiments, stating that sustainable development is crucial for preventing crises and conflicts. She urged for stronger leadership and clearer mandates to ensure that the Council can effectively respond to emerging risks, including those posed by artificial intelligence.

Enhancing Coordination and Accountability

The discussions also emphasized the importance of accountability regarding commitments made by member states. Harish Parvathaneni from India recalled the founding vision of the Economic and Social Council, which aims to secure human happiness and progress. He stressed the need for greater coordination within the UN system and with international financial institutions to advance the development agenda beyond 2030. Maritza Chan Valverde from Costa Rica highlighted the “Pact for the Future,” which seeks to revitalize the Commission on the Status of Women and ensure that global commitments translate into tangible outcomes for women and girls. The Commission plans to focus on critical areas such as violence against women and economic empowerment in the coming years.

Addressing Global Development Challenges

In the afternoon session, the Council discussed the importance of improving transit, transport, and connectivity to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. Rabab Fatima, UN High Representative for Least Developed Countries, emphasized the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries and the need for effective implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action. Tatiana Molcean from the Economic Commission for Europe underscored the role of cooperation in enhancing growth and sustainability. Additionally, discussions on reforming the international financial architecture highlighted the need for transparency in credit ratings and addressing trade disruptions to facilitate development finance. The session concluded with a focus on the pivotal moment for addressing poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion, urging collaborative efforts to ensure that marginalized communities are not left behind.

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