Geneva and the Environment @ High-Level Political Forum 2021

The annual meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the core platform of the United Nations for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The HLPF 2021 meeting will be held from 6 July to 15 July 2021 under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. Information on the environmental activities of International Geneva at HLPF 2021 is available here.

HLPF 2021

The HLPF 2021 will discuss ways to ensure a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19 that put us on track to realize the 2030 Agenda with the theme: “Sustainable and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development: building an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda in the context of the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development”.

The HLPF 2021 will also discuss in depth the following SDGs:

SDG 1: No poverty
SDG 2: Zero hunger
SDG 3: Good health and well-being
SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13: Climate action
SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships

During the second week, 44 countries will present their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) of their efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

H.E. Sveinung Rotevatn, President of UNEA and Minister of Environment and Climate of Norway will convey the main messages of the UN Environment Assembly and present the contributions of the Assembly to the debates of the HLPF, on Tuesday 13 July, at 21:00 CEST.

Official Programme

The Earth Negotiation Bulletin offers Daily Coverage of HLPF.

ENB Daily Coverage

Special and Side-Events

Numerous environmental actors from International Geneva are involved in the HLPF 2021 official meetings, special events and side events. Find here a selection of special and side-event. Consult the HLPF 2021 programme for the full list of events.

E-learning Course "Harnessing Climate & SDGs Synergies"

6 July | 18:30 CEST | UNDESA, UNFCCC and UNITAR

Highlighting the importance of climate and SDG synergies, particularly in the context of the challenges facing the global community today. An opportunity to hear about concrete examples that demonstrate the potential of tying climate action to job growth and poverty reduction; human health; finance; and, food security.

Climate and Human Mobility: Working with Mayors to Advance SDGs 10 and 13

6 July | 19:00 – 20:30 | C40, GPM, IOM and UNHCR

Lessons for building forward better, creating systems not only for crisis resiliency but also for a more inclusivity and respect for our planet.

Sustainable Fashion Hard Talk

7 July | 13:30-15:00 CEST | UN Alliance for Sustainable Fashion

Highlighting collaborative efforts and confronting fashion personalities with hard-hitting questions and sensitive topics to explore avenues for turning fashion into a driver of sustainable development and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wetlands: Key Enablers for a Resilient and Sustainable Recovery

7 July | 13:45 – 15:00 CEST | Ramsar Convention

The event will serve as an opportunity to exchange policies and multi-stakeholder experiences on wetland conservation and its benefits for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as to ensure a resilient and sustainable recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agroecology as Nature-based Solution: Combining Food Security with Biodiversity, Health and Climate Benefits

7 July | 14:00 CEST | IUCN, WCS and France

This virtual Knowledge Dialogue will bring together experts involved in scientific research on agroecological practices as well as practitioners in different types of agroecology projects in both developed and developing countries.

Protecting Public Health from Climate Related Threats

7 July | 19:00 CEST | Bangladesh, Chile, France, Kenya, Morocco, Qatar, Tajikistan, UNEP and United Nations Foundation

An opportunity to discuss the intersection of two SDGs: climate change and public health, using a One Health lens to examine the linkages between planetary health, animal health, and human health.

SDG 12 Hub Virtual Launch

7 July | 19:45 – 21:00 CEST | UNEP

Presenting an accessible and transparent tracking tool for SDG 12 promoting implementation through existing communities of practice, and informing voluntary national reviews, international and national policy processes.

Launch of the First Hydromet Gap Report

8 July | 14:00 – 15:00 CEST | WMO, Alliance for Hydromet Development and UN DESA

High-level event to raise awareness of the role of hydromet development in underpinning climate action, resiliency and sustainable development. The event will launch the first Hydromet Gap Report, the flagship publication of the Alliance for Hydromet Development.

Addressing the Tensions Between Extreme Poverty and Environmental Conservation: Grassroots Voices and Solutions

8 July | 19:00 CEST | ATD Fourth World, UNEP and Earthjustice

Panelists will discuss how environmental conservation should not be used against the human rights of people and communities living in poverty and will highlight examples of communities acting to
protect and preserve their environment and culture.

Shaping Resilient Societies: Can One Succeed?

9 July | 13:30 – 15:00 | Switzerland, University of Zurich and University of Geneva

The discussion will address the current crisis and how to brace for future shocks through transversal, cross-sectoral and cross-societal responses. Leading experts will reflect on data ecosystems as a tool for evidence-based decision making as well as on compounding effects of global dynamics of change, demographic shifts, urbanization and growing inequalities.

Green Recoveries for a Job-Rich Future

9 July | 14:00 – 15:30 CEST | PAGE

The discussion will focus on green jobs, a nature-positive economy and filling the green finance gap. The event will bring insights from PAGE’s Green Recovery support and challenges for leveraging recovery action to achieve the SDGs.

Making the Circular Transition Work for a Transformative and Prosperous Post-COVID Recovery

12 July | 13:30 – 15:00 CEST | UNECE, UNEP and Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The post-COVID recovery offers an opportunity to reverse unsustainable economic trends and build back better, to promote sustainable consumption and production as laid out in SDG 12 and transition to a circular, more resilient and low-carbon economy.

Climate change and water under COVID-19

12 July | 13:30 – 15:00 CEST | Japan, Tajikistan, UN DESA, UNCRD, WMO, UNDRR

The event will focus on the linkage of water and climate change, inviting all member states and stakeholders to share their views and experiences, as well as priority actions countries and international communities.

Innovative solutions for MSMEs in a green recovery

13 July | 13:30-15:00 CEST | Green Growth Knowledge Partnership, SEED and UNEP

The event will feature first-hand insight from the Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) initiative on how micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are driving sustainable development in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Circularity for Resilience and Jobs: Green Recovery Policies Are the Global Opportunity Today

14 July | 13:30-15:00 CEST | UNEP, UNIDO

The event will discuss the alignment of current recovery packages with SDG 12 goals and explore good examples opportunities. The event aims to conclude with the most important global steps to scale up circular economy for a sustainable future.

Towards Sustainable, Inclusive and Responsible Mineral Resources Governance Post-COVID-19,

15 July | 13:30 CEST | UNEP, GGKP

Experts will discuss the findings of stakeholder consultations on implementation of the UNEA-4 Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance, undertaken in the context of a green and inclusive recovery and the Sustainable Development Goals.

HLPF 2021

Special and Side-Events

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