The year 2023 marks the mid-point in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development has a pivotal role in providing necessary political leadership and guidance. The integration of scientific knowledge into decision-making processes has thus emerged as a key factor to enhance effectiveness of HLPF in tackling global challenges and propelling sustainable development forward.
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) introduced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a comprehensive set of 17 goals with their 169 targets designed to create a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. Since their inception, the UN has been closely monitoring progress towards achieving these goals.
The HLPF is a central governmental body responsible for conducting in-depth reviews and follow-ups on the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level.
In recent years, UN has increasingly recognised the critical role of science in decision-making related to sustainable development. The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) is prepared every four years by an independent group of scientists to serve this purpose and complement the role of HLPF. This report plays a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking by offering evidence-based recommendations during the SDG review at the HLPF.
The emerging perspectives set to influence discussions at the 2023 HLPF emphasise the importance of innovative ideas and strategies in addressing global challenges.
During the Second Science Briefing to the General Assembly on April 13, 2023, various topics were discussed, such as moving beyond GDP as a measure of well-being, addressing food security and sustainability, and enhancing scientific support systems for the UN. In particular, the private sector expressed support for a “Beyond GDP” model. These fresh perspectives are anticipated to play a significant role in shaping discussions at the 2023 HLPF, the SDG Summit, and the 2024 Summit of the Future as stakeholders work towards more holistic approaches that encompass well-being, sustainability, and inclusion.
While the GSDR provides essential actions needed for the sustainable development transition, its periodic nature and broad scope may not fully capture challenges and circumstances faced by individual countries. For instance, addressing issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath requires a more dynamic and adaptive approach to grapple with the crisis’s unique social, economic, and environmental impacts.
The rapidly evolving nature of such situations underscores the need for more flexible and responsive mechanisms to incorporate the latest scientific knowledge and tailor solutions to each country’s specific context.
In response to these demands, the creation of “Group of Friends on Science for Action” by Belgium, India, and South Africa is a promising step to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation. This platform will provide a more agile avenue to address emerging challenges and foster direct collaboration between the scientific community and policymaking processes to formulate policy strategies and develop frameworks tailored to individual countries’ unique needs and circumstances.
As the 2030 deadline for achieving SDGs approaches, it is important to strengthen the science-policy interface and address the limitations of existing mechanisms like the GSDR. The 2023 HLPF stands as a crucial platform for integrating emerging perspectives and adopting innovative approaches to foster transformative change. Thus, incorporating cutting-edge scientific research and embracing multidisciplinary insights can help the global community better respond to evolving challenges and develop customised solutions for diverse local contexts.
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