Click here to visit the IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub knowledgebase.  SDG UPDATE A compilation of items recently posted to the SDG Knowledge Hub Tuesday, 22 October 2019 GUEST ARTICLES Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance in the Sustainable Development Goals Anthony D. So, Professor of the Practice at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Director, ReAct Strategic Policy Program; and Prateek Sharma, Research Associate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and ReAct Strategic Policy Program In retrospect, it seems hardly possible that the Millennium Development Goals failed to mention tobacco control, but the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control helped ensure a much needed course correction. (1) Today the same might be said of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a challenge so great that it became only the fourth global health issue ever to be considered by the UN General Assembly. Towards Second-Generation Voluntary National Reviews Javier Surasky, Cepei’s Governance for Development Research Area Coordinator, and Chair of the International Cooperation Department at the Institute of International Relations, La Plata National University, Argentina. Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) lie at the heart of the global SDGs follow-up and review mechanism set by the 2030 Agenda. Since 2016, 142 VNRs have been submitted to the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), and 50 new reports are expected to be presented at its 2020 session. These numbers show that governments have responded well to the reporting arrangements for the 2030 Agenda. The reports have given the international community a broad perspective on the advance towards the SDGs at the national level around the whole world. Equator Prize Ceremony Opens Doors to Scaling Up Local, Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change Martin Sommerschuh, Coordinator, Equator Initiative, UN Development Programme The Equator Prize 2019 Award Ceremony honored 22 local and indigenous groups implementing outstanding nature-based solutions to sustainable development, as a contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York, US. The star-studded gala and a series of associated events provided a platform for the winners to scale up and replicate their work, enabling indigenous and local leaders to connect with governments, donors, and heads of state. INECE Compliance Conversations Bring Together Experts and Practitioners to Discuss Effectiveness of Lead Paint Laws Avital Li, Program Officer, International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) The public health dangers posed by lead exposure have been recognized and documented since the mid-20th century. Despite the pervasiveness of lead-based paint in buildings, including homes and schools, experience has shown that laws can effectively address the issue by phasing out lead paint. Confronting the New Climate Reality in Asia and the Pacific Kaveh Zahedi, Deputy Executive Secretary, Sustainable Development, Office of the Executive Secretary, UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific World leaders gathered at the United Nations in New York for the Climate Action Summit last month with a simple goal: to increase ambition and accelerate action in the face of a mounting climate emergency. For a Sustainable Diet, Diversify Your Basket! Jeffrey Y. Campbell, Manager of the Forest and Farm Facility In the Ecuadorian Amazon, Kichwa farmers grow dozens of products on tiny parcels of land. Their lands hum with biodiversity, yielding nutritious foods that have sustained families for generations. Wandering among fruit and nut trees and crops, these indigenous agroforesters fill their baskets to overflowing with a wide range of products, such as cacao, coffee, vanilla, honey, muriti, corn, guayusa, banana, cassava and uva de monte. POLICY BRIEFS GCF Conference Offers Opportunity for Developed Countries to Contribute to Collective Pledge Beate Antonich, Ph.D., Thematic Expert for Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (Germany) From 24-25 October 2019, France will host the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Replenishment Pledging Conference in Paris, to cover the GCF’s programming from 2020 to the end of 2023. The conference will provide an opportunity for countries to allocate their international climate funding. It is taking place only months away from the 2020 start of developed countries’ collective pledge to jointly mobilize USD 100 billion of climate finance per year to address the needs of developing countries, and developed countries’ GCF funding support will count towards their collective USD 100 billion commitment. FEATURED Ghana, G20, EU Take Action on Plastics 16 October 2019: Ghana has become the first African country to join the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), a public-private platform focused on tackling plastic pollution. In a series of events, the Group of 20 (G20) has continued to promote cooperation on marine plastic litter and resource efficiency. Health Agencies Launch Plan for Cooperation on SDG Targets 24 September 2019: Twelve multilateral agencies have launched a ten-year global action plan detailing how they will jointly support countries to achieve health-related aspects of the SDGs. The plan is relevant not only to SDG 3 on health, but also to SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. Statistical Group to Consider 53 Changes to SDG Indicators 10 October 2019: The UN Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the SDG Indicators is considering 53 suggested changes to the SDG indicator framework based on input gathered through an open consultation. The IAEG-SDGs is expected to agree on a final set of proposals during its upcoming tenth meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. New Zealand to Lead Consultations on 2020 HLPF Theme 11 October 2019: New Zealand’s ambassador to the UN will lead consultations among UN Member States to identify a theme for the 2020 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). UNGA Adopts SDG Summit Outcome, Looks to Decade of Achievement 15 October 2019: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the political declaration of the SDG Summit by consensus, with the US and Hungary distancing themselves from specific references. Sweden and Mexico addressed the upcoming intergovernmental review of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).  Pre-COP Links UN Climate Action Summit and Santiago Climate Change Conference 10 October 2019: A preparatory meeting to provide impetus for the 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the UNFCCC, known as the "Pre-COP," emphasized the need to ramp up ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in each country. The Pre-COP focused on the themes of sustainable cities and electric mobility, nature-based solutions and the blue economy, as well as the cross-cutting topics of gender and human rights, and climate finance. It also sought to emphasize the link between the UN climate change and biodiversity processes. Carbon Pricing and Markets Update: Can Santiago Climate Change Conference Agree on Mechanism to Deliver Ambition? 4 October 2019: Over the last months, we saw a number of reports released by government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including from the business, research and technology communities, that address carbon market expectations, challenges and solutions. These are indicative of ongoing preparatory work ahead of the upcoming negotiations on market mechanisms under Paris Agreement Article 6 (cooperative approaches), expected to conclude at the Santiago Climate Change Conference in December. This Update highlights recent reports and news releases, and provides a backgrounder to the anticipated negotiations on the issue. The State of Food and Agriculture 2019 Report Explores Food Waste and Loss Points 14 October 2019: Approximately 14% of the world’s food is lost between harvest and retail sale, according to the 2019 'State of Food and Agriculture’ (SOFA) report. A flagship report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the SOFA provides the latest estimates of food loss and waste, and lays out the costs and benefits of addressing problems from source to shelf. Coalition Argues for Citizen-Science Data to Support SDG Monitoring 11 October 2019: A coalition of academic scientists, citizen scientists and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) experts authored an article that highlights the untapped potential of citizens to play a role in monitoring the SDGs, particularly the environment-related indicators. The article published in Nature presents a roadmap for integrating citizen science data in the SDGs. OECD Explores Costs of Obesity, Economic Gains from Prevention 10 October 2019: A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cautions that obesity-related diseases will claim more than 90 million lives in OECD countries over the next 30 years, reducing life expectancy by nearly three years. The publication notes that the disease will also reduce gross domestic product (GDP) by 3.3% in OECD countries and impact personal budgets through additional expenses as high as USD 360 per capita per year. Protocol Regulating Fine Particulate Matter Enters into Force 7 October 2019: An amended Gothenburg Protocol has entered into force, making it the first binding agreement to target emission reductions for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP). NEWS FAO Guide Supports Integrated Management of Forests and Water 21 October 2019: A new guide by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) titled, ‘Advancing the Forest and Water Nexus: A capacity development facilitation guide,’ highlights the role of forests in achieving clean water for all as well as other SDGs.  ‘Adaptation Without Borders’ Initiative Supports Joint Action on Indirect Climate Risks 19 September 2019: Ahead of the 2019 UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, a high-level event launched ‘Adaptation without Borders,’ a joint initiative of the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) and partners, which aims to harness international cooperation to effectively govern and manage transboundary climate risks. CGIAR Launches Seed Breeding Initiative for SDGs 17 October 2019: CGIAR announced a global initiative called Crops to End Hunger (CtEH), which will enhance its contributions to the SDGs through high-priority staple crops bred to meet the specific needs of targeted regions and their populations. The initiative is designed to accelerate and modernize how CGIAR and its partners develop, deliver and scale up the use of new crop varieties. Penang Platform to Accelerate Sustainable Urbanization, SDGs in Asia-Pacific Cities 17 October 2019: The Seventh Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF-7) has concluded with the establishment of the Penang Platform for Sustainable Urbanization, which seeks to leverage the strengths of cities and urban development organizations to support local, regional and national governments in achieving the SDGs and New Urban Agenda (NUA) in the region. WBCSD Finds Corporate Reports Focus Most on SDGs 8, 12, 13 14 October 2019: The World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) seventh annual review of corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and disclosure finds 88% of member companies have improved their overall scores since 2015. The authors call for simpler reporting standards to make reporting more effective in communicating businesses' contributions to the SDGs. Annual Mining Forum Explores Mining and Climate Change Linkages 10 October 2019: Over 500 participants considered the theme, ‘Mining in a Changing Climate,’ at the 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). Delegates discussed ways that mining companies are starting to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted from mining operations, as well as how they are learning to adapt to changes in climate and the environment, water scarcity, and increased risk of natural disasters. UNICEF Advocates WASH Investment for Children in Conflict Zones 3 October 2019: In its report 'Water Under Fire,’ the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) calls for the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in fragile and conflict-affected areas. The report highlights that civilian deaths in armed conflicts doubled between 2010 and 2016, and that many of these deaths occurred as a result of unmet needs, including access to safe drinking water. Marine Forum Highlights Role of Regions in Ocean Governance 2 October 2019: The Marine Regions Forum convened under the theme, ‘Achieving a healthy ocean - Regional ocean governance beyond 2020.’ The Forum provided a venue where decision makers, scientists, and civil society could informally exchange views on ocean governance supportive of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially SDG 14 on life below water. GO for SDGs Initiative to Raise Ambition for Inclusive Economies 24 September 2019: Germany and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have launched the Global Opportunities for SDGs (GO for SDGs) initiative to accelerate the building of inclusive and sustainable economies. GO for SDGs will serve as platform to facilitate regional dialogue and exchange among practitioners on best practices for replicating and scaling-up effects, and foster local institutional learning and experience sharing. Mandate for Climate and Clean Air Coalition Extended through 2030 22 September 2019: On the eve of the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, the 11th High-Level Assembly of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) discussed climate and clean air action needed on the ground and members’ ambition for further implementation. IRENA Study Weighs Costs and Benefits of Global Energy Transformation September 2019: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) report titled, ‘Transforming the Energy System – And Holding the Line on the Rise of Global Temperatures,’  argues that the cost of “climate-proofing” the global energy mix is lower than the cost of inaction, “even without factoring in the payoffs of mitigating climate change and achieving long-term sustainability.” Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Promotes Actions to Eliminate Lead in Paint 21 October 2019: International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2019 is focusing on eliminating lead in paint to prevent exposure, particularly in children, leading to intellectual disability and death. Regulations to eliminate lead in paint contribute directly to the achievement of SDGs 3 (good health and well-being) and 12 (responsible consumption and production). Carnegie Mellon University to Present Voluntary University Review in 2020 16 October 2019: Carnegie Mellon University in the US has committed to work on a Voluntary University Review on the SDGs and report its findings in 2020. UNDP Publications Present Linkages Between Migration, Displacement and SDGs 11 October 2019: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released a series of publications on migration and displacement, which argue that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development should remain the foundation on which UNDP structures its support to countries and communities on migration and displacement. The publications present UNDP’s "offer" on migration and displacement, including within the context of sustainable development and the SDGs. SDSN Proposes Roadmap to Fill SDG Financing Gap in Low-Income Countries 24 September 2019: The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has issued the results of a study on costing and financing the SDGs in the world's 59 low-income developing countries. It highlights a SDG financing gap of USD400 billion per year for these countries, and notes that LIDC governments will require a substantial increase in fiscal revenues far beyond what they can achieve through their own fiscal reforms. ESCAP, UN-Habitat Publish Guidebook for Future Urbanization in Asia-Pacific 14 October 2019: Building cities sustainable enough to meet future needs will require new ways of thinking and working, as well as new kinds of multi-stakeholder initiatives and partnerships, according to a flagship report published by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and UN-Habitat. The publication explores future policy pathways for policymakers and stakeholders to “reimagine the built and natural environments in the region’s cities.” Rotterdam Convention Review Committee Recommends Making Flame Retardant Subject to PIC Procedure 10 October 2019: The 15th meeting of the Chemical Review Committee (CRC-15) of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade completed its technical work to support the Rotterdam Convention’s goals of promoting shared responsibility and cooperation in the trade of hazardous chemicals and environmentally sound use of such chemicals. As a result of the Committee’s deliberations, decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) (a flame retardant used in textiles, electronics, and building materials) was recommended to be made subject to the PIC procedure. WRI Paper Analyzes Linkages Between Urban Adaptation, SDGs 9 October 2019: Cities must employ “transformative” climate change adaptation solutions in transitioning to more equitable and sustainable growth, according to a paper published by the World Resources Institute (WRI). POPRC Recommends Elimination of One Industrial Chemical, Further Review of Two Organic Pollutants 4 October 2019: The 15th meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) decided to recommend one widely used industrial chemical for elimination with no exemptions (PFHxS, which is widely used in fire-fighting foams and metal plating, and is also used in commercial household products such as waxes, polishes, and water- and stain-repellent fabrics). POPRC also agreed to commence the second stage of review for two chemicals that were newly proposed for listing (Dechlorane Plus, a polychlorinated flame retardant additive, and Methoxychlor, an organochlorine pesticide). UNFCCC Paper Discusses Climate Impacts on Agrifood Sector, SDG Linkages 24 September 2019: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a technical paper on off-grid and decentralized energy solutions for smart energy and water use in the agrifood chain. The paper examines climate impacts on the agrifood sector, the water-energy-food nexus, and links with the SDGs, among other issues. Partners Launch Initiative to Finance Climate-smart Urban Projects 23 September 2019: A group of countries and stakeholders announced the ‘Leadership of Urban Climate Investments’ (LUCI) Initiative, which will scale up and leverage climate finance for climate-friendly urban infrastructure. Led by the Government of Germany, LUCI was developed with the Governments of France, the UK, Mexico, Luxembourg, Cameroon and Japan, as well as development banks, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), and city networks, among other partners.  FAO, Norway Collaborate to Improve Global Forest Data 11 October 2019: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the Government of Norway are cooperating to improve global statistics on forest resources. The three-year project is part of the FAO’s wider Forest Resource Assessment (FRA), which collects official forest resource information on all aspects of sustainable forest management (SFM) from 236 countries and territories. UNHCR, World Bank Launch Data Center to Support Global Compact on Refugees 10 October 2019: The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Bank launched the Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement, in support of the Global Compact on Refugees adopted in 2017. Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Joint Data Center is expected to strengthen the sustainability of a global data collection system and of country-level systems regarding refugees and other displaced persons. Financing, Climate, Biodiversity Take Stage in Second Committee Debate 8 October 2019: The UN General Assembly's (UNGA) committee on economic and financial issues held its general debate for the 74th session. Delegates highlighted that barriers to developing countries' SDG achievement include wealth inequality, inadequate international financing and reduced official development assistance (ODA). Committee members also stressed the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions, halt biodiversity loss, monitor water sources and honor the commitments made in the Paris Agreement on climate change. WWF Announces Freshwater Strategy 7 October 2019: WWF has announced a change in its approach to freshwater and wetlands protection to now focus on achieving "big wins" at the systemic and landscape levels. While still focusing on animal species, WWF will seek to build coalitions of partners at the river basin level and adopt an integrated and holistic approach to protecting freshwater resources. Peacebuilding Commission Sets Stage for 2020 Review 7 October 2019: The UN will conduct a review of its peacebuilding architecture in 2020, as called for in the review conducted in 2016. The scope, modalities and terms of reference for the 2020 review are outlined in a proposal submitted to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and UN Security Council. Grenada’s NDC Partnership Plan Steps Up Climate Efforts Across All Sectors 7 October 2019: Grenada has taken efforts to accelerate implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with the announcement of a Partnership Plan for 2019-2023 and through the NDC Partnership’s recently launched Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP), which aims to deliver support to enhance ambition of and implement NDCs. UNECE, Trondheim Establish Centre of Excellence to Promote SDGs at Local Level 3 October 2019: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Norwegian City of Trondheim have agreed to establish the fifth Geneva UN Charter Centre of Excellence to advance sustainable urban development. ADB Publishes Interactive Database of Key Indicators, SDG Progress 2 October 2019: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made its central statistical database available online, including data on SDG indicators where available. The database is searchable by country, keywords and sub-region, and provides summaries of progress towards each SDG. Institutional Finance Update: Mobilizing Private Sector to Reach 2020 Global Goal on Climate Finance 30 September 2019: In 2010, developed countries committed to the goal of jointly mobilizing USD 100 billion a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, with the understanding that funding may come from a wide variety of sources. In 2015, the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC extended the goal through 2025, and decided that, prior to 2025, a new goal from a floor of USD 100 billion per year shall be set. UNEP Updates on Global Status of Lead in Paint Laws 30 September 2019: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published an update on the status of lead in paint laws across the globe and progress towards eliminating lead in paint. The ‘2019 Update on the Global Status of Legal Limits on Lead in Paint’ notes that, as of 30 September 2019, 73 countries, or 38% of all countries, have legally binding controls to limit the production, import and sale of lead paints, but acknowledges that many countries still do not prohibit the use of lead paint in homes and schools, leading to an increased risk of exposure to lead, particularly in children. NYDF Discusses Limited Progress in Halting, Reversing Deforestation 22 September 2019: On the sidelines of the Climate Action Summit, the NY Declaration on Forests (NYDF) Assessment Partners organized an event to reflect on the Declaration's achievements since its inception in 2014. The event, which took stock of progress and discussed challenges, highlighted innovative areas of action and addressed the need for action to 2020 and beyond. UNDP Prioritizes Governance and Strengthening Health Systems for UHC 20 September 2019: The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has announced initiatives to help countries achieve universal health coverage (UHC), through policies and programmes focused on equity and human rights. Efforts relate to: reducing inequalities and exclusion; strengthening effective and inclusive governance; and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. Investing in Climate-resilient Cities Benefits National Economic Prosperity, Report Finds 19 September 2019: The Coalition for Urban Transitions has published a report that show that transitioning to zero-carbon, climate-resilient cities can help achieve national economic prosperity and improve quality of life, while tackling climate change at the same time. UN Report Highlights Possible Future Scenarios to Address E-Waste 17 September 2019: A UN report highlights future e-waste scenarios to address one of the world’s fastest growing solid waste streams, which has grown from 20 million to 50 million tonnes per year since 2000. UN Development System Reforms Advance for Country Teams 13 September 2019: A new management and accountability framework (MAF) has been agreed for UN Country Teams, providing dual accountability for agency representatives to both their respective entities and the Resident Coordinator. Providing updates to representatives of the Rome-based Agencies, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also highlighted a Common Country Analysis for UNCTs. UN Prepares for New LDC Programme of Action, Fifth LDC Conference 26 September 2019: Ministers and other high-level officials from the least developed countries (LDCs) adopted a declaration noting significant gaps between the goals and targets set out in the Istanbul Programme of Action for the LDCs for the Decade 2011-2020 (IPOA), and achievements made to date. The declaration also welcomes the offer of the Government of Qatar to host the Fifth UN Conference on LDCs (UNLDC-V) in Doha, to be held “at the highest possible level” for five days in 2021. CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS SEE MORE » UN Climate Finance and Sustainable Investing Conference 2019 17 October - 18 December 2019 | Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), China International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2019 20-26 October 2019 | worldwide 10th Meeting of the UN Inter-Agency and Expert Group on the SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) 21-24 October 2019 | Addis Ababa, Adis Abeba, Ethiopia biodiversity_next 21-25 October 2019 | Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands Global Green Growth Week 2019: Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential 21-25 October 2019 | Seoul, Seoul-T'Ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea Tenth ESP Conference 2019 21-25 October 2019 | Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF) 22-24 October 2019 | Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana Liaison Group on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 22-25 October 2019 | Montreal-Est, Quebec, Canada Our Ocean Conference 2019 23-24 October 2019 | Oslo, Norway 10th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the WIM for Loss and Damage 23-25 October 2019 | Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany 2019 International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) 23-26 October 2019 | Seoul, Seoul-T'Ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea GCF Replenishment Pledging Conference 24-25 October 2019 | Paris, Ile-De-France, France Venice City Solutions 2019 24-26 October 2019 | Venice, Veneto, Italy 29th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change 25-26 October 2019 | Beijing, China G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting 25-26 October 2019 | Hokkaido {greater region}, Japan Beijing+25 Regional Review Meeting - UNECE Region 29-30 October 2019 | Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland Funding for the IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub has been provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) The IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub is a knowledgebase tracking implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 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