Click here to visit the IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub knowledgebase.  SDG UPDATE A compilation of items recently posted to the SDG Knowledge Hub Friday, 21 July 2017 GUEST ARTICLES Leveraging Interlinkages for Effective Implementation of SDGs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 focuses on “ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns” (SCP). This objective is transversal to the SDGs, with the targets for this Goal and twelve others clearly depending on a shift to more sustainable consumption and production patterns. At least 49 of the 169 targets included in the SDG framework are dependent on this shift, with implications for key economic sectors as well as systemic implications for policy making, investments and other decisions taken by all stakeholders engaged in consumption and production. Report from Local and Regional Governments Provides Input on Localization of the SDGs at HLPF 2017 This year, national governments are reporting to the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York from 10-19 July, to assess progress on the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. United Cities and Local Government – the global network of local and regional governments (LRGs), which represents over 240,000 sub-national authorities in more than 175 countries– and the Global Taskforce of Local and Regional Governments are contributing to the global conversation with a report on the process of "localization" of the SDGs. HLPF Can Do More to Highlight Transport's Contribution towards SDG Achievement Sustainable transport services and infrastructure are essential to achieving most, if not all, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although sustainable transport is not represented by a standalone SDG in the 2030 Agenda, it is mainstreamed in a direct or indirect manner into several SDGs, especially those related to poverty alleviation; food security; access to health services, clean water, education, and employment; gender equality; energy; infrastructure; cities and human settlements; and climate change. Advancing the Global Renewable Energy Transition The 2017 edition of the REN21 Renewables Global Status Report (GSR) reveals a global energy transition well under way, with record new additions of installed renewable energy capacity, rapidly falling costs, particularly for solar PV and wind power, and the decoupling of economic growth and energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the third year running. Community Action Will Drive SDG Achievement The evidence is clear. If we are to enjoy the benefits provided by the oceans and make progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must remember that we cannot achieve one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) at the expenses of others; we can leave no one behind in the implementation of the development agenda; and we must focus on actions that have multiple development dividends. POLICY BRIEFS Reviewing Progress on Poverty Eradication The issue of poverty eradication is being featured in the deliberations of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The HLPF, convening under theme, 'Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world,' is reviewing progress on seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inclusive of SDG 1, which seeks to "end poverty in all its forms everywhere." The ECOSOC High-level Segment theme, selected to align with the HLPF theme, is ‘Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions through promoting sustainable development, expanding opportunities and addressing related challenges.’ FEATURED HLPF 2017 Concludes VNR Presentations, Adopts Ministerial Declaration 19 July 2017: The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) concluded its 2017 meeting with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration on the theme, 'Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world.' Youth Discuss Role in VNRs, HLPF 19 July 2017: UN Youth Delegates, representatives of youth civil society organizations (CSOs), and representatives of the UN system gathered for a side-event on the final day of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) to discuss youth’s role in Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), which assess countries’ national efforts for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants addressed mechanisms for youth participation in decision-making and ways in which youth-led accountability can ensure the eradication of poverty and promote prosperity. Scientists Provide Update on GSDR 2019 19 July 2017: On the sidelines of the 2017 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), scientists appointed by the UN Secretary-General to work on the Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) provided an update on progress to date and on plans envisioned for the 2019 edition of that quadrennial report. SDG Business Forum Showcases Business Support for SDGs 18 July 2017: High-level representatives of governments, private sector, international organizations, and civil society discussed the role of business in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), during the second annual SDG Business Forum. Participants stressed the need for: developing a clear mechanism for monitoring business investment in the SDGs; designing projects that incentivize private investments by offering enticing returns on investment; and increasing awareness of the SDGs in the private sector. EMG Dialogue Assesses Poverty-Environment Nexus 19 July 2017: The second dialogue of the Environment Management Group (EMG) Nexus Dialogue Series opened on Thursday, 13 July 2017, in New York, US, on the sidelines of the 2017 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Discussions on the theme, 'Enabling new partnerships – implementing the SDGs at the poverty-environment nexus at country level,' took place during a full-day technical segment on 13 July. A policy segment convened on 14 July, and deliberations of the dialogue were reported during a side event for the HLPF on 19 July. PEI Report Focuses on Poverty-Environment Nexus in Advancing SDGs 12 July 2017: The Poverty Environment Initiative (PEI) has published a report on social and environmental policy for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The report aims to improve policy tools by providing practical examples of an integrated approach for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in LAC, with a focus on the poverty-environment nexus. UN Forum Showcases Partnerships for SDGs 17 July 2017: Member States, UN agencies, UN Regional Commissions, and stakeholders reviewed the work of several multi-stakeholder partnerships and voluntary initiatives in driving implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), during the second annual Partnership Exchange. Through sharing expertise and lessons learned, participants also discussed ways in which partnerships can address some of the challenges encountered by countries that presented Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) this year. SDG Toolkits Highlighted at HLPF 17 July 2017: The UN Development Group (UNDG) and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) have highlighted toolkits they have developed to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation. The SDG Acceleration Toolkit offers tools for analyzing SDG linkages, "last-mile" analysis tools and risk-informed planning tools. The self-assessment toolkit for parliaments provides a framework to evaluate readiness to engage with the SDGs, as well as examples of best practices. Colombia, Finland Highlight Ways to Maintain Momentum on SDGs 14 July 2017: During a side event of the 2017 session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), Colombia and Finland presented their progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation since their 2016 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). Both countries highlighted approaches they have taken to maintain momentum for the SDGs. NEWS Projects Explore Renewable, Alternative Energy Sources 18 July 2017: The past weeks’ project news reveals technology and innovation initiatives seeking to use renewable and alternative energy sources. Spanning the gamut of hydroelectric to solar to methane to biomass, the projects contribute to the implementation of countries’ energy goals as reflected in their Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Capacity Building and Technology Update: PCCB Calls for Submissions, CTCN Publishes Updates on Technical Assistance 17 July 2017: The Paris Committee on Capacity-building (PCCB) issued a call for submissions from bodies established under the UNFCCC, parties and interested stakeholders on a range of capacity building-related issues in the context of implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) published updates on some of its ongoing and completed technical assistance contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mountain Partnership Tracks SDG Indicators, Highlights Regional Climate and Food Security Initiatives 14 July 2017: Representatives of government, academia, civil society and local communities from eight Andean countries shared their experiences and visions for the integrated management of mountain ecosystems as part of Mountains’ Week, which took place from 10-14 July in Bogotá, Colombia. The event took place under the framework of the Mountain Partnership, which also serves as the “custodian agency” of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 (life on land) indicator 4.2, also known as the Mountain Green Cover Index. UNOOSA Briefs Member States on Space-Based Technologies for SDGs 14 July 2017: Simonetta di Pippo, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), briefed Member States and stakeholders on the potential of space-based technologies to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The briefing took place during a side event for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Transparency and Compliance Update: UNFCCC Releases 15 Reports Assessing Party Submissions 14 July 2017: The transparency framework under the UNFCCC is intended to increase the international understanding of mitigation, adaptation and other actions towards fulfilling commitments outlined in the Convention and related decisions or agreements. In the last month, the UNFCCC Secretariat released reports examining eight individual reviews of the annual submissions by developed country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol submitted in 2015 and 2016, three reports on the review of the reports to facilitate the calculation of the assigned amount for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (CP2), as well as a report on the technical assessment of the proposed forest reference emission (FREL) level of the Congo submitted in 2016. Member States, Stakeholders Provide Feedback on 2017 Report on FfD Follow-up 13 July 2017: Member States and stakeholders discussed the 2017 Report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development (IATF), which tracks progress on the implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) on financing for development (FfD), during a briefing on the margins of the 2017 session of the High-level Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). During the briefing, participants provided feedback and recommendations for future editions of the report. Technological Innovation Required for Low-Carbon Energy Transition July 2017: Technological advances and research and development (R&D) investments are required to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector, according to an International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) working paper that assesses the status of and future needs for low-carbon technologies. The paper also identifies the elements of a framework that nurtures technological innovation in order to decarbonize the energy sector between now and 2050. CFS, Bioversity International Reports Highlight Forest and Agrobiodiversity Contributions to SDGs 17 July 2017: The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and Bioversity International have launched reports on improving food security and nutrition (FSN). The CFS report discusses the role of trees and forests, while Bioversity focuses on the contributions of agrobiodiversity to reducing hunger while meeting other basic service needs and development priorities. WHO Estimates Cost of Reaching SDG Health Targets 17 July 2017: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that achieving the health-related targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will cost up to US$134-371 billion a year over current health spending - a price tag of US$58 per person each year. In addition, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO highlighted the existing immunization gap around the world, noting that approximately one out of every ten children were not immunized in 2016. The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is reviewing progress on SDG 3 (good health and well-being), among six others. UN Environment Reports Progress on Green Finance 14 July 2017: The UN Environment Programme (UN Environment or UNEP) Inquiry: Design of a Sustainable Financial System has published a report titled, ‘Green Finance Progress Report.’ The publication highlights progress made in G20 member countries, and internationally since 2016, to mobilize private capital for green investment through a range of finance measures, including green financing mobilized policies, regulations, standards, guidelines, principles and fiscal incentives. Adaptation and Loss and Damage Update: UNFCCC, UNDP Enhance NAPs Support 13 July 2017: The UNFCCC Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Expert Group (LEG) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have ramped up their support for developing countries’ national adaptation plans (NAPs). Migration Compact Discussions Address Border Governance 10 July 2017: Intergovernmental negotiations around a global migration compact have emphasized Member States’ sovereignty over borders, while recognizing that safe, orderly and regular migration will require greater international cooperation and conformity with international human rights standards. Proposals to improve migration governance include promoting policy coherence at the national level, ending child detention, building regional and national capacity, and monitoring migration-related targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Companies Highlight Benefits of Investing in SDGs, Green Economy July 2017: The UN Global Compact has established a Corporate Action Group for ‘Reporting on the SDGs,’ which is part of a comprehensive toolbox to help companies achieve sustainability and advance the SDGs. Other recent private sector actions include: the UN Industrial Development Organization's (UNIDO) partnerships to make cities more sustainable; the insurance industry's efforts to implement the SDGs; the Partnership for Action on Green Economy's (PAGE) encouragement of investments in the green economy; and Dutch fund managers development of a standard for SDG investments. Caux Dialogue Highlights Links between Land Restoration and Peace 15 July 2017: The Caux Dialogue on Land and Security (CDLS), a partnership initiative, has called for scaling up land restoration efforts around the world to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030. In their seven-point communiqué, CDLS participants emphasized land restoration as central to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate. Environment Ministers Reaffirm EU’s Commitment to Paris Agreement 14 July 2017: European environment ministers have reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 during an informal EU Environment Council meeting. The meeting focused on eco-innovation and on international climate action. Montreal Protocol Convenes First Meeting Since Kigali 14 July 2017: As the Montreal Protocol turns 30 this year, Parties to the Protocol held their first meeting since the 28th Meeting of the Parties (MOP 28) to the Montreal Protocol, in October 2016, which adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are human-made, greenhouse gases (GHGs) with global warming potentials many times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2). ADB Warns of Climate Impacts on Development in Asia-Pacific 14 July 2017: The Asian Development Bank (ADB), in collaboration with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), issued a report titled, ‘A Region at Risk: The Human Dimensions of Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific,’ highlighting the severity of consequences of unabated climate change. Symposia Explore Coastal Impacts of Climate Change, Adaptation Strategies 14 July 2017: Recent events have brought the coastal impacts of climate change into the spotlight. Two international conferences discussed the scientific, research and implementation perspectives relating to sea level rise, and climate change impacts on coasts and coastal communities. HLPF Side Event Highlights Innovative Approaches for SDGs 13 July 2017: On the sidelines of the 2017 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), UN officials, entrepreneurs, UN Member States, and other stakeholders discussed innovation and impact investment for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighted different SDG innovative approaches. Agencies, LAC Officials, Promote Culture and Resilience for Sustainable Cities and Tourism 13 July 2017: The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank have agreed to cooperate on urban development, resilience and cultural industries, including tourism. Housing and urban development officials from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have called for urban development to be guided by national frameworks that promote inclusive, secure, resilient and sustainable cities. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and partners are highlighting the potential for least developed countries (LDCs) to develop tourism as a global export. DESA Survey Reflects on 70 Years of Analysis, Identifies Lessons for SDGs 13 July 2017: The UN Department of Economic Affairs released a review that finds that the UN’s economic analysis over the past 70 years has proven to be “accurate and prescient” and can help countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2017 Survey highlights the role of coordinated global actions, development planning, a stable global economy, well-functioning international trade and monetary systems, and respect for national policy space in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP Report Showcases Investments in Innovation to Achieve SDGs 12 July 2017: A report published by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Innovation Facility finds that innovation and emerging technologies are increasingly changing how international organizations are investing to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report presents innovation initiatives that are testing and scaling solutions to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, prevent conflict, manage climate and natural hazard risk, improve disaster response, and advance gender equality. HLPF Side Event Discusses Complexity in SDG Implementation 10 July 2017: The high-level event on the theme, ‘Nutrition and Soils in the 2030 Agenda: A Contribution to HLPF Thematic Reviews,’ discussed key policy messages emerging from preparatory events organized by land, soil and nutrition stakeholders ahead of the 2017 session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). African-Caribbean Event Calls for Action on SDG 5, SDG 13 to Achieve 2030 Agenda 12 July 2017: Participants supported focusing on climate change mitigation, gender equality and financial and fiscal sustainability to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the ‘African-Caribbean Cross-Regional Exchange.’ The event convened on the sidelines of the 2017 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), which is taking place at UN Headquarters in New York, US, from 10-19 July. Adaptation and Loss and Damage Update: Trillion Tonne Iceberg Calves Amid Rising Temperatures 12 July 2017: Scientists at project MIDAS, a research consortium located at Swansea University and Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK, announced that a one trillion tonne iceberg broke off the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica. Meanwhile, according to a European climate change service, June 2017 became the second hottest after 2016. GEF Programme Targets Smallholder Farmers in Africa 12 July 2017: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) will finance a US$116 million programme to promote long-term sustainability and production-system resilience among smallholder farmers in Africa. The ‘Integrated Approach Programme on Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in sub-Saharan Africa,' which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will be implemented in Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Swaziland, Tanzania and Uganda. Climate Mitigation Finance Update: MDBs Launch Funding Initiatives as EBRD Invests in Green Bond 11 July 2017: Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have pledged over US$2 billion in funding for initiatives supporting climate mitigation in developing countries. The initiatives include a 32-megawatt solar plant in Chad, the launch of a US$5 million fund to support climate-resilient, low-carbon development and scaled-up access to climate finance in African countries, a US$2 billion partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and a project to deliver 50,000 clean cookstoves to low-income households in Honduras. In addition, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) made its first green bond investment. Agricultural Outlook Forecasts Food Prices and Availability through 2026 10 July 2017: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) released the publication, titled 'OECD-FAO World Agriculture Outlook 2017-2026.' The report forecasts that global prices for major food commodities will remain low through 2026 due to replenished food crop reserves and slowing demand growth. IWRA and UCLG Prepare for 8th World Water Forum 5 July 2017: In the lead-up to the 8th World Water Forum, water agencies and stakeholders are preparing research on implementing the Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). United Cities and Local Government (UCLG), the global network of cities, local, and regional governments, consulted with the World Water Forum’s Political Process on local-level water issues. The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) issued a call for case studies showing the value of smart water management (SWM) for achieving sustainable development. CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS SEE MORE » Fourth Session of the Preparatory Committee on BBNJ 10-21 July 2017 | New York City, US Africa Open Data Conference 2017 17-21 July 2017 | Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana CITES Animals and Plants Committees 18-27 July 2017 | Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland Fourth Informal Thematic Session for Global Compact on Migration 24-25 July 2017 | New York City, US First Multi-stakeholder Hearing on Migration Global Compact 26 July 2017 | New York City, US Seventh Meeting of Negotiating Committee on Principle 10 31 July - 4 August 2017 | Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on Migration Global Compact 3 August 2017 | Bangkok (Krung Thep), Thailand 23rd Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority 7-18 August 2017 | Kingston, Jamaica UNLEASH Innovation Lab 13-21 August 2017 | Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark Renewable Energy and Quality of Life 14-15 August 2017 | Astana, Kazakhstan Resilience 2017 20-23 August 2017 | Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden TICAD 2017 Ministerial Meeting 24-25 August 2017 | Maputo, Mozambique 27th UN-Water Meeting 25-26 August 2017 | Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden 2017 World Water Week 27 August - 1 September 2017 | Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden International Day Against Nuclear Tests 29 August 2017 | worldwide ECLAC Regional Consultation for Global Compact on Migration 30-31 August 2017 | Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile 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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