Expressions of interest from VNR country partners -- DEADLINE 18 JUNE
VNR 2021 – Asia and Pacific

Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand. Eastern Europe: Azerbaijan, Czech Republic.
 
The VNR Task Group of the Major Groups & other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism has prepared a short questionnaire to gather expressions of interest and names of key partners active in each country to work with others in small groups to prepare joint statements for the VNR sessions at the HLPF.
 
This is the OFFICIAL process to engage in the VNRs and the Task Group will be responsible for identifying speakers for the VNR sessions at the HLPF from those who have been active in preparing the statements on the VNRs.
 
If you are active in one of this year’s VNRs, please add your details via the questionnaire here.

HLPF 2021 Updates
 
HLPF 2021 - Concept Note Approved by President of ECOSOC
 
The Concept Note of HLPF 2021 has been approved by the President of ECOSOC and now is available at the HLPF 2021 website:
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/27806Concept_note_for_the_HLPF_on_Sustainable_Development_2021.pdf
HLPF 

HLPF 2021 will be held from Tuesday, 6 July, to Thursday, 15 July 2021, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. This includes the three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from Tuesday, 13 July, to Thursday, 15 July 2021 as part of the high-level segment of the Council. The theme and SDGs under review can be found on the the 2021 HLPF website, please track the ‘Latest’ column on the right-hand side of the homepage. 

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Preparation 

A Concept Note on the HLPF has been released by the President of ECOSOC. You can find this on the 2021 HLPF website under Programme. 
 
The blue navigation bar on the 2021 HLPF website includes a Stakeholders segment. All information contained in these update emails will be available there. The vast majority of advocacy opportunities at the HLPF involve nomination processes which commence with the Major Groups and other Stakeholders. Please see the sub-section dedicated to How to Participate. 
 
If you would like to join one of the Major Groups and other Stakeholders, you can find contact details in the same Stakeholders section of the website under Introduction. 
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Registration 

The 2021 HLPF will be hosted virtually. All official sessions of the 2021 HLPF will be available to watch via UN Web TV. MGoS colleagues will not need to register via Indico, as was required when the HLPF was hosted in-person. In a similar format to last year’s HLPF, access to the virtual platform will only be provided to MGoS colleagues who have formal, active roles in the official sessions of the HLPF i.e. as MGoS Lead Discussants, Resource Persons, Intervenors. 

Funding 

Given the virtual nature of this year’s HLPF, funding will not be available to bring MGoS colleagues to New York. 

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Ministerial Declaration [update] 

The HLPF 2021 under the auspices of ECOSOC shall result in a negotiated ministerial declaration for inclusion in the report of the Council to the General Assembly. The President of the ECOSOC Mr. Munir Akram has appointed H.E. Ambassador Jukka Salovaara, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Finland to the United Nations, and H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, as co-facilitators of the 2021 ECOSOC High Level forum and HLPF Ministerial Declaration.  
In the Outcome section of the 2021 HLPF website, you will be able to locate the proposed timeline for the upcoming negotiations and the latest revised drafts of the Ministerial Declaration, along with the latest letters from the co-facilitators. 
Letter from the co-facilitators for the Ministerial Declaration of 2021 High-level segment of ECOSOC and 2021 HLPF on sharing the second revised draft of the Ministerial Declaration (31 May 2021) 
 
Second revised draft of the Ministerial Declaration of the High-level Segment of the 2021 ECOSOC and the HLPF (31 May 2021) 
 
The consultations on the Ministerial Declaration are closed and not therefore available on UN Web TV. One representative from each of the Major Groups and other Stakeholders can, however, participate as observers in the negotiations. Furthermore, there will be two oral interventions from the MGoS-Coordination Mechanism as a whole. Please contact your Major Group or Stakeholder Group to find out about the nomination process. 
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Voluntary National Reviews 
 
VNR Labs 

A series of VNR Labs will be convened on the margins of the 2021 HLPF, to provide an informal platform for experience sharing and reflection on the Voluntary National Review process. As always, the Labs will be held under the Chatham House rule and will be open to Member States, the UN system and representatives of Major Groups and other Stakeholders. You may register directly for the VNR Labs, more information will be available on the website later this month. 

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Written Contributions 
 
Executive Summaries 

Discussion papers on the theme of the high-level political forum on sustainable development (final), submitted by major groups and other stakeholders can be found on Documentation & Inputs section of the HLPF website: [ ??????? | ?? | English | Français | P?????? | Español ] 
 

Sectoral Position Papers 

The deadline for submission of Sectoral Position Papers has closed.  
 
Each MGoS constituency was invited to submit a paper. The focus of the Sectoral Position Papers was the theme of the 2021 HLPF. The deadline for submission of these papers has passed. The papers will be reviewed and uploaded as inputs to the Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform. 
 
Paragraph 89 Reports  [final call] 
In line with Paragraph 89 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, “The HLPF will support participation in follow-up and review processes by the major groups and other relevant stakeholders in line with Resolution 67/290. We call upon those actors to report on their contribution to the implementation of the Agenda”.  
 
Organisations accredited with ECOSOC status or Organisation that appear on the CSD Roster are permitted to submit reports. The (soft) deadline for the submission of Paragraph 89 reports will be COB Monday, 7 June 2021. 
 
Please continue to share your reports with Emnet Bekele: bekelee@un.org 

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Other Events 
 
Side Events [update] 

The deadline for submission of applications for Side Events has closed.  
 
There have been hundreds of applications, all of which need to be reviewed. Please be patient while this process takes place. UN DESA will reach out to applicants with further information soon. 
 
Information, including application guidelines, can be found on the HLPF website under Other Events. All side events will be held virtually. One slot will be allocated to each of the MGoS constituencies. ECOSOC accredited organisations and Organisations on the CSD Roster may also submit applications to host side events. UN DESA will not be responsible for hosting the digital platform for each side event, this will be the responsibility of the side event’s host organisation.  

 
Exhibitions 

The deadline for submission of applications for Exhibitions has closed.  
 
UN DESA will now review the applications and contact the applicants with the next steps soon. All information on Exhibitions can be found on the HLPF website, please note that UN DESA will not be responsible for hosting the digital platform for each exhibition, this will be the responsibility of the host organisation. 

 
Special Events 

Please also take an opportunity to explore the Special Events that the UN DESA and its partner agencies and organisations will organise virtually, on the margins of the HLPF this year. ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021’ and the ‘2021 SDGs Learning, Training, and Practice’ can be found under Other Events. 

 
MGoS page related to the HLPF and MGoS Terms of Reference),
Official Thematic Sessions [update] 
 

MGoS Lead Discussants 
There are 13 thematic official sessions in this year’s HLPF programme. UN DESA has invited the MGoS-Coordination Mechanism to nominate one MGoS representative to participate as a Lead Discussant in each of these dialogues. There will be a slate of 13 Lead Discussants in total.  
 
In previous years, each Major Group or Stakeholder Group conducted its own process to nominate Lead Discussants. These nominations have then been reviewed by the MGoS-Coordination Mechanism based on thematic expertise, gender, geographic location, age, and other factors, in order to determine the final slate of nominations. The slate of nominations is then reviewed by the President of ECOSOC. 
 
The MGoS nomination process for Lead Discussants has now closed. 

 
MGoS Interventions 

In addition to the formal roles as MGoS Lead Discussants, MGoS representatives also have the opportunity to contribute interventions to the official thematic sessions of the HLPF once the debate is ‘opened to the floor’. The number of interventions entirely depends on the amount of time available at the end of the session. These are typically 1-2 minute interventions, used by MGoS representatives to ask questions or raise points with members of the panel.  
 
Please contact your Major Group and other Stakeholder constituency for further information on the nomination process.
 
Stakeholder Perspectives Session 

The MGoS Official Session is scheduled to take place on 9 July 2021 from 3 - 5pm ET (New York time). It is titled: “Vision and priorities of civil society, the private sector and other major groups and stakeholders: realizing the SDGs during the COVID-19 recovery”. As an official session, this will be available to watch via UN Web TV. 
 
UN DESA will be working with the MGoS-Coordination Mechanism to identify Moderators, Panellists, and Lead Discussants for this session. Please contact your Major Group and other Stakeholder constituency for further information on the nomination process. 
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In preparation for HLPF, the MGoS engagement continues to be guided by the MGoS Coordination Mechanism (please find here the  with special reference to the negotiations for the HLPF Ministerial Declaration (facilitated by the MGoS Advocacy Task Group), the preparatory process for the VNR sessions (facilitated by the VNR Task Group) and the organization of MGoS Collective Events, namely the MGoS preparatory meeting, the MGoS Official Session during HLPF and MGoS Side Event (facilitated by the MGoS Collective Events Task Group). We will provide a detailed updates on these working tracks during the informational session as well as through dedicate email updates on each of these different subjects. We are also conducting a nomination process for collectively defining the MGoS Lead Discussants for each of the HLPF Session as well as the line-up of possible interventions from the floor.

 
IISD Updates

Secretary-General's SDG Progress Report Recaps Pandemic Impacts on 17 Global Goals
The global database includes 211 SDG indicators, up from 115 in 2016. Read
Six Steps to Closing Gender Gaps with Stronger Data Systems
A new report explains broad benefits to doubling financing for gender data. Read
HLPF Alert
UN Holds Expert Discussions to Prepare for HLPF Thematic Review
Eight sessions on the SDGs in focus and three cross-cutting sessions will inform discussions in July. Read
HLPF Review Agreement Under Silence Procedure
The final draft contains several differences from the 8 April text. Read
Raising Ambition for Biodiversity Action
To Conserve Biodiversity, We Must Protect Our Forests
Our guest authors urge us to use the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to turn the tide on deforestation and conserve our biodiversity. Read
Practitioners Discuss Boosting Synergies Between Chemicals and Biodiversity Communities
A post-2020 biodiversity target is under negotiation related to pollution from plastics, nutrients, and pesticides. Read
Lessons Learned on the Road to 2030
DESA Reports on Speedy Formation of SDG Partnerships amid COVID-19
Flexibility, use of pre-existing networks, and previous experience with partnerships contributed to their formation and success. Read
Eight Ways Ombuds Institutes Can Contribute to the SDGs
Closing the global justice gap and reaching the furthest behind first are some ways these bodies can advance the 2030 Agenda. Read
Raising Ambition for Climate Action
Republic of Korea to “Gather Solidarity” on Carbon Neutrality, SDGs
The 2021 P4G Seoul Summit will help “further unite our global resolve for carbon neutrality, and strengthen climate action to build back better and greener in the post-COVID world.” Read
Making Trade an SDG Catalyst
Chair Presents Draft Consolidated Text on Fisheries Subsidies
Ministers are expected to meet virtually in July to conclude negotiations. Read
An EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Can it Make Global Trade Greener While Respecting WTO Rules?
Debate around the EU’s proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism points to the need to involve the EU’s trade partners in an open dialogue to prevent disputes and trade conflicts. Read
WTO S&DT Talks Consider Proposals on Technical Barriers to Trade, Customs Valuation
The negotiations chair urged members to “talk to each other to determine how progress can be made” in the S&DT talks. Read
Canada, Mexico, US Discuss Trade Issues, USMCA Implementation
In a joint statement, the parties recognize that a healthy environment is an integral element of sustainable development. Read
Number of the Day
The final draft for the HLPF Review calls for the 2023 edition of the Global Sustainable Development Report to be completed in time to inform negotiations on the political declaration for the 2023 SDG Summit. Read
 
VNR Factsheet- Asia-Pacific- 2021
ESCAP Forum Calls for Regional Cooperation to Avoid Greater Economic Divergence
A joint report suggests ways to leave “no person and no country” behind. Read
NGO Coalition's VNR Analysis Calls Attention to Closing Civic Space, Accountability Mechanisms
The report finds that the 2020 VNRs contained more reporting on "leave no one behind," but calls for efforts to identify vulnerable groups, develop dedicated strategies, and use disaggregated data. Read
Lessons Learned on the Road to 2030
SDG 16 and the 2021 Voluntary National Reviews: An Opportunity to Advance Justice for All
Countries can use existing data to report on new SDG indicator 16.3.3 on access to justice. Read
SDGs Could Be Pushed 10 More Years without Immediate Action: Financing Report
Recommended steps focus on investing in people and infrastructure. Read
Co-Facilitators Finalize Structure for HLPF Ministerial Declaration
NGOs offered input on the outline, suggesting additional priority issues and components for accelerated action. Read
Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report, 2021
’Monitoring and Review of SDG 16 Plus at the National and Regional Level ( 2015-2020) in Asia
 
Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Leaving No Country Behind
 
6. NGO MG Global and Regional Organizing Partners ‘contact details
Global Organizing Partners (ngomajorgroupopny@gmail.com):
Jessica Bridgers (jessica.bridgers@wfa.org)
M. Victoria Espada (mariavictoria.espada@dianova.ngo)
Oli Henman (oli.henman@action4sd.org)
 
Regional Organizing Partners:
Central Africa: Bernard Lutete Di Lutete (bernlutete@yahoo.fr)
Eastern Africa: Henry Oriokot (henrycidc@gmail.com)
Northern Africa: Hagar Monsif (h.monsif@maatpeace.org)
Southern Africa: Joseph Mihaye (aminiac15@gmail.com)
Western Africa: Kofi Kankam (eri@eri.kabissa.org)
 
Caribbean: Donovan McLaren (kevoy1@yahoo.com) and Joseph Severe (unascadhaiti@gmail.com)
North America: Kehkashan Basu (kehkashanbasu@greenhopefoundation.com)
South America: Rosario Diaz Garavito (r.garavito@themillennialsmovement.org)
Asia: Jyotsna Mohan (jyotsna@ada2030.org)
Central Asia: Artem Stepanenko (a.stepanenko@eca-ces.ru)
Europe: Lara-Zuzan Golesorkhi (golesorkhiwow@gmail.com)
Middle East/North Africa: Anis Brik (anisdago@gmail.com)
Pacific: Emeline Siale (siale@piango.org)

 

• ADA's official website has been renewed. All the information related to the implementation of SDGs in Asia and actions conducted by Asian CSOs will be accumulated on this website. Please visit www.ada2030.org
• ADA's Facebook page has been activated! The page will channel useful information among civil society actors in Asia. Feel free to tag @Asia Development Alliance in future collaboration. The page is accessible with this web address: https://www.facebook.com/ada2030/ 
• ADA Twitter account @alliance_asia