The official MGoS Session will take place on 14th July 2023, at 09.00 am -11.00 am
Halfway there, but nowhere near
Need for genuine actions towards inclusive transformation
Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS) are an integral part of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs as enshrined in the UNGA Res 67/290. They bring forth the voices, sentiments and aspirations of the people, often those who are most marginalized and left behind, and are experts, rights-holders and key actors in the implementation and achievement of the SDGs.
This session is organized and led by the MGoS Coordination Mechanism, which is composed of 21 constituencies actively working towards its implementation, through projects, initiatives, advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda. The session aims to reflect the opinions and proposals about how to orient and accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs at its mid-point. The session will include two presentations from MGoS members about the systemic barriers and gaps in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as key recommendations. The session will also bring forth examples and recommendations from the 2023 Regional Forums on Sustainable Development not just on accelerating action, but also on unpacking the systemic barriers, fulfilling the gaps, and ensuring meaningful rights-holder’s engagement in the implementation of the SDGs and towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion will include a critical analysis by diverse stakeholders and non-state actors on challenges and opportunities, including demands for a more sustainable, human rights-centric approach to development that is genuinely inclusive of all peoples.
The midpoint review of the SDGs is an opportunity to renew the commitments especially of our Governments, and strengthen efforts to reach the Goals. It also should undertake an honest assessment of not just the progress made but also how the SDGs have failed so far to deliver progress for many stakeholders, and how the pandemic and other global crises have affected their lives.
Proposed guiding questions:
- What are the peoples’ perspectives and aspirations, particularly from those that have been left behind, on the systemic challenges and priorities to achieve transformational change in face of multiple and intersecting crises?
- What are ways that civil society and community groups are already stepping up to address gaps in implementation of the SDGs and how can their actions be supported and enabled by development partners?
- How can we restore faith and underpin human rights, equality and equity, particularly intergenerational equity, and sustainable development in multilateral global governance and repurpose global economy and finance, aid, trade and climate action to genuinely leave no one behind?
- How will Governments address the shrinking civic space and attacks against civil society and human rights defenders at national and multilateral fora including the United Nations and unlock the potential of civil society in contributing to just, equal, peaceful and sustainable societies, and contribute more meaningfully to upcoming United Nations intergovernmental processes?
Chair, Moderator and Speakers: The event will be chaired by the MGoS CM and will be opened by the President of ECOSOC. Moderators and speakers will include representatives from the Major Groups and Stakeholder Groups, Ministers and other High Officials from the Member States, UN Agencies and/or academics of high repute.
Proposed topics and speakers:
- Moderator/Chair – Rashima Kwatra, MGoS CM Co-chair
- Opening – H.E. Ambassador Lachezara Stoeva, President of ECOSOC
- Key speaker 1: MGoS perspectives on systemic barriers and gaps in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda – Joan Carling, Indigenous Peoples Rights International
- Key speaker 2: MGoS key recommendations – Paola Simonetti, International Trade Union Confederation
- Lead Discussant: Right to Development and the need for a new international world order – G77 Chair Nadieska Navarro, Cuba Lead Discussant: Surya Deva, SR for the Right to Development
- Lead Discussant: Mary Maker, South Sudanese Refugee and UNHCR Supporter
