21 April 2016: The High-Level Group in support of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has issued a joint statement, highlighting the importance of leadership, partnership and responsibility at the highest level to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The joint statement was adopted by High-Level Group members on the occasion of the High-level Thematic Debate on Achieving the SDGs that was convened by the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), on 21 April 2016.

The High-Level Group was initiated by the Government of Sweden and launched during the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, to ensure that the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs “are implemented at all levels of society,” and to promote the exchange of experience and discussions on challenges and solutions between governments, civil society, the private sector and international organizations.

The Group is composed of the leaders of eight countries: Dilma Rousseff (President of Brazil), Juan Manuel Santos (President of Colombia), Angela Merkel (Federal Chancellor of Germany), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (President of Liberia), Jacob Zuma (President of South Africa), Stefan Löfven (Prime Minister of Sweden), Rui Maria de Araújo (Prime Minister of Timor-Leste), and Beji Caid Essebsi (President of Tunisia). These Heads of State and government, in addition to Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete, signed the “Call to Action” in September 2015.

In the 21 April 2016 statement, the members note their commitment to “lead by example.” They report that they have started to carry out “concrete actions,” including: consultations with stakeholders; analysis of Goals and indicators; development of sustainable development strategies and implementation plans at national and local levels; launch of national implementation work through broad conferences; establishment of national secretariats or steering committees; appointment of multi-stakeholder committees to spur implementation efforts; conversations with leaders of other countries to share experiences and learn from each other; and engagement in regional workshops and dialogues on implementation.

The joint statement calls for: effective policies and action at all levels; a strong global partnership for achieving the SDGs; and including the 2030 Agenda as an integral part of the overarching political programme of each country. It also stresses the importance of broad consultation, engagement and partnership with all stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, trade unions and academia for global implementation. [Government of Sweden Press Release on Joint Statement] [Government of Sweden Press Release on High-Level Group Launch] [Call to Action by Nine Leaders] [Government of Timor-Leste Press Release, September 2015]