Enhancing Advocacy, Financing and Accountability: Key Messages from Civil Society to the SDG Summit and Beyond
The UN SDG Action Campaign and the UN Foundation organized the Civil Society Dialogue at the UN Secretariat (ECOSOC Chamber), on 16 September 2023, the Mobilization Day of the UN SDG Action Weekend. The Dialogue provided a remarkable platform for dialogue and exchange between the representatives from civil society organizations, youth, women’s groups, persons with disabilities and indigenous groups together with the UN SDG Summit co-facilitator H.E. Mr. Fergal Mythen and the UN Secretary-General, H.E. António Guterres. Watch the event here
Civil society advocates called for an inclusive and human rights-based approach to SDG implementation. In a dialogue with the UN Secretary-General, the crucial role of civil society in the race to 2030 was emphasized.
Speakers
- Master of Ceremonies: Ms. Nadira Hira
- Opening Remarks: Ms. Marina Ponti, Director, UN SDG Action Campaign
- Keynote: Ms. Lysa John, Secretary-General of CIVICUS
Panel 1 — SDG Summit: Ambition transformed
- H.E. Mr. Fergal Mythen, Permanent Representative of Ireland, Co-Facilitator of the Political Declaration of the SDG Summit Co-chair
- Mr. Alejandro Luque, Latin America and Caribbean Regional Representative for the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP
- Ms. Carole Agengo, Help Age International & Africa Regional Mechanism for Major Groups & Other Stakeholders
- Ms. Foteini Papagioti, International Center for Research on Women / WMG North America Organizing Partner Children & Youth
- Moderator: Ms. Inés Yábar, Next Generation Fellow, Change maker, Sustainability Activist
The panelists discussed the critical need to enhance youth engagement in policymaking and decision-making processes. The speakers also addressed systemic barriers and structural inequalities that hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment, underscoring the importance of overcoming these obstacles to achieve the SDGs.
Panel 2 — Turning the SDG midpoint into an SDG tipping point
- H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Ms. Abia Akram, Sightsavers, Equal World Campaign Ambassador
- Mr. Amitabh Behar, interim Executive Director Oxfam International
- Ms. Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, Co-Founder and President of the Igarapé Institute
- Moderator: Ms. Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the UN Foundation
Reflections from the floor:
- Maureen, child advocate from Zambia
- Ms. Rashima Kwatra, LGBTI Stakeholder Group and co-chair of the Major Groups & Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism
- Ms. María José Andrade Cerda, Yuturi Warmi, Kichwa community, Ecuador
The panelists discussed three key themes: advocacy, financing, and accountability for the SDGs. They emphasized the importance of partnerships across sectors, generations, and geographies as the biggest opportunities to drive SDG transformation across societies. They pointed out that strengthening accountability requires identifying key levers, although there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that rescuing the Global Goals will not be possible without the leadership and action of civil society, encouraging women, youth, indigenous communities and other groups to raise their voices and urge action to secure a sustainable planet.
