NAIROBI, Kenya- Held under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Forum was a vibrant gathering aimed at reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty amid multiple crises.
From July 8 to 17, diplomats, ministers, and experts convened to discuss and devise strategies for sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions to global challenges.
The three-day ministerial segment, part of the High-Level Segment of the Council, ran from July 15 to 17 and featured intense discussions and critical votes on the ministerial declaration.
This key outcome document reflected the collective will of the Member States to address pressing global issues.
One major proposal stirred significant debate: the inclusion of a paragraph urging states to avoid unilateral economic, financial, or trade measures that contravene international law and hinder development, especially in developing countries.
Supported by nations like Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, and Syria, this amendment passed with 105 votes in favor, 11 against, and 46 abstentions.
Another contentious amendment proposed by Israel sought to delete a paragraph linking sustainable development with peace and security, and recognizing the right to self-determination for peoples under colonial or foreign occupation.
This proposal was overwhelmingly rejected, with 122 Member States voting to retain the paragraph, and only Israel and the United States voting for its deletion. Thirty-nine states abstained.
The path to the final ministerial declaration was not easy. Delegates engaged in over 70 hours of negotiations, including 20 informal and 3 informal-informal sessions, striving to reconcile opposing positions and produce a balanced, ambitious document.
The extensive effort underscored the complexity of the issues at hand and the dedication of the participants to find common ground.
The ECOSOC President emphasized the importance of collective resolve in accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We will continue to renew multilateral efforts to fulfill the promise of the 2030 Agenda and leave no one behind,” she stated, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable development and transformative action.
The adoption of the ministerial declaration, even after intense debates and multiple amendments, marks a significant step forward.
It reflects a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative, multilateral efforts. As the world faces unprecedented crises, the ECOSOC Forum’s outcomes highlight the crucial role of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development.
