UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed ministers at UN Headquarters in New York on July 17, 2024, highlighting recent progress on pandemic preparedness, ocean protection, and development financing as signs that multilateralism can deliver results. He opened the ministerial segment of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), emphasizing the need for urgent action to rescue lagging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid global challenges. Mr. Guterres noted that only 35% of SDG targets are on track, with nearly half moving too slowly and 18% regressing. He stressed the SDGs are achievable if world leaders commit resources and political will.

Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, echoed the Secretary-General’s call for urgent action, emphasizing the need for deeper solidarity and aligning political commitments with concrete action. They highlighted initiatives like the Compromiso de Sevilla and the Pact for the Future to reform global financial systems and scale up climate finance. The HLPF, running until July 23, 2024, focuses on five SDGs: health, gender equality, decent work, life below water, and global partnerships. Over 150 countries have submitted Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), showcasing national efforts and challenges.

The Secretary-General's address underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for concerted global action to achieve the SDGs by 2030.