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, 13 July 2018 GUEST ARTICLES Well-Designed Citizen Science Projects Can Help Monitor SDG 6 This year’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) discusses SDG 6 on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. One major goal of the HLPF is to review the qualitative status of the targets so as to improve water quality by 2030. Where Are We in Achieving SDG 15? Biodiversity is essential for all life on Earth, including human life. Forests cover around 30% of the Earth’s land area, containing 80% of terrestrial biomass and providing habitat for over half of the world’s known terrestrial plant and animal species. Many of which provide humanity with essential benefits and services. The biodiversity of inland water, addressed as well by SDG 15, sustains ecosystems and ecosystem services that are key for human well-being, as well as for many life stages of aquatic and migratory species. An Open Goal: Why Forests and Nature Need to be at the Center of the Sustainable Development Agenda In fewer than 900 days, the world will have halted deforestation, taken urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity, and ensured that ecosystems are being conserved, restored and sustainably used. A Hidden Carcinogen in Water: How the SDGs Can Help When people think about sustainable development goals, they often envision arid developing countries or communities struggling in the wake of a natural disaster. While this is partially accurate, these sustainability goals are far more encompassing, impacting all degrees of development and civilization. Water quality is certainly an important issue and an integral part of achieving sustainable and healthy communities. Today, developed nations like the United States are experiencing a number of water quality issues caused by contamination from toxic substances, including asbestos. POLICY BRIEFS Monthly Forecast July 2018: HLPF and SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 15 and 17 For those following policy related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as we at the SDG Knowledge Hub do, July has become the month we wait for each year. SDG Knowledge Weekly: Finance, Infrastructure and Sustainable Investment With the international community beginning its two-week review of progress towards the SDGs at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), this week’s brief looks at means of financing the Goals, with a focus on infrastructure. FEATURED SDG 12 Review at HLPF Calls for Circular Economies, Sustainable Lifestyles 12 July 2018: Day 5 of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York included a review of global progress towards achieving SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production (SCP). The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted its 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP, SDG target 12.1), and many delegates presented their national actions to promote a circular economy. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) stressed that the extraction of raw materials in developing countries is supporting unsustainable levels of consumption in the developed world. SIDS Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue Focuses on Partnerships 12 July 2018: During the 2018 annual Global Multi-Stakeholder Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Partnership Dialogue, participants discussed how partnerships can support SIDS in their transition towards more sustainable and resilient cities and communities. Several countries and organizations outlined examples of SIDS partnerships and initiatives they launched. UN Security Council Addresses Climate Change as a Security Risk 12 July 2018: The UN Security Council convened a session to discuss the nexus between climate change and global conflicts and to deepen understanding of climate-related security risks. The session marked the Council’s first debate on climate change and security in seven years. New York City Presents First-ever Voluntary Local Review at HLPF 11 July 2018: New York City became the first city to present its Voluntary Local Review (VLR). The city’s VLR focuses on the OneNYC strategy released in 2015, highlighting synergies between the strategy and the SDGs. SDG 11 Review at HLPF Emphasizes Role of Cities in Achieving 2030 Agenda 11 July 2018: The HLPF entered day three of its deliberations, which included a review of global progress toward SDG 11 on sustainable cities. Many speakers called for justice, dignity and a human rights-based approach to affordable housing in cities. Leilani Farha, UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing, argued that housing (SDG target 11.1) is the most significant issue facing cities today, and highlighted the injustice of development that destroys urban neighborhoods and displaces residents. HLPF Side Event Launches Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production 10 July 2018: On the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the board of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP on SCP) organized an event on implementing SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production). Sovereign Wealth Funds Publish Framework to Help Meet Paris Agreement Goals 10 July 2018: To help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, six sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) representing more than US$3 trillion in assets have committed to only invest in companies that incorporate climate risks into their strategies, and have published a framework to this end. Synthesis Report Previews “Urban Goal” for HLPF 9 July 2018: The UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and partner custodian agencies of the Sustainable Development Goal on cities and communities (SDG 11) unveiled a Synthesis Report outlining progress as well as challenges towards the “urban goal.” The SDG 11 Synthesis Report presents “a joint position from the UN family” on critical issues related to urbanization as a cross-cutting area, and provides insights for building effective partnerships to address the data collection and monitoring needs of all related indicators. Stakeholders Share Views on HLPF Effectiveness Ahead of 2019 Review 9 July 2018: On the sidelines of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), participants exchanged views on the value, role and future of the HLPF, including an upcoming process to review its format and organizational aspects. The side event titled, 'Stakeholder Engagement in the HLPF and its Review in 2019,’ was organized by the Major Groups and Other Stakeholder (MGOS), and took place on the first day of the HLPF. HLPF Reviews SDG 6, Calling for Greater Efficiency of Water Use 9 July 2018: The UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is underway at UN Headquarters in New York, US. On the first day, governments began an “in-depth review” of selected SDGs, with a session on global progress towards SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). Delegates heard that “the world is not on track” to meet the SDG 6 targets by 2030, in view of increasing freshwater pollution, water stress, and a declining share of official development assistance (ODA) for water-related activities. SOFO 2018 Evinces Contributions of Forests to SDGs, Livelihoods 6 July 2018: Stopping deforestation, managing forests sustainably, restoring degraded forests, and increasing tree cover worldwide is critical to avoid “damaging consequences for the planet and its people,” according to the ‘State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) 2018.’ The report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), underscores the importance of forests in supporting human livelihoods and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. GCF Looks to October Board Meeting Following Challenging Discussions in Songdo 4 July 2018: The 20th meeting of the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) suffered difficult negotiations and failed to come to agreement on several decisions which will need to be addressed at the next Board meeting. Negotiations on HLPF Outcome Shift to Bilaterals 6 July 2018: Governments concluded their informal meetings on the joint ministerial declaration for adoption at the 2018 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and the High-level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The co-facilitators will continue consulting bilaterally with groups to achieve consensus on outstanding issues. Synthesis Report Highlights Challenges in Meeting Global Water Goals 5 July 2018: The world is not on track to reach the Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), according to an UN-Water Report based on the latest data available for the 11 SDG 6 global indicators. The report titled, 'SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation,' offers the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) a "joint position from the UN family on the global status on SDG 6 and other water-related targets." DESA Debuts VNR Labs at HLPF 2018 6 July 2018: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) will convene a series of ‘Voluntary National Review (VNR) Labs’ during the ministerial segment of the 2018 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The VNR Labs are organized in response to demand from Member States, UN bodies and major groups and other stakeholders to take stock of experience with VNRs, DESA notes. Responding to Secretary-General's Progress Report, MGOS Call for Increased Urgency to Achieve SDGs 5 July 2018: Major groups and other stakeholders (MGOS) released a response to the 2018 SDGs Progress Report of the UN Secretary-General, ahead of the 2018 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). In a statement, MGOS reflect that a sense of urgency around achieving the SDGs is lacking, even though “the world is not on track to reach the 2030 Agenda.” NEWS CSOs Conduct Global Review of National Accountability Mechanisms for SDG 6 July 2018: Civil society organizations (CSOs) have conducted a 25-country study on national accountability mechanisms for implementing SDG 6 on water and sanitation. The authors note that standards for institutionalized participation of civil society in the international and national voluntary review processes for SDG 6 have not been set. Data Dashboards, Democracy and “Cooper-tition” Discussed at HLPF Side Event 12 July 2018: An event on community indicator systems, held on the sidelines of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), underscored the difference between data being “available” and being “accessible.” The discussion also highlighted: the importance of culturally relevant indicators and community ownership over data dashboards; the value of making data collection less labor-intensive; and the potential of data dashboards to foster “cooper-tition” among communities. TWI2050 Assesses Global Transformations for the SDGs 12 July 2018: On the sidelines of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), The World in 2050 Initiative (TWI2050) launched its first report exploring transformational pathways to attain the SDGs. The report is based on the premises that no science-based pathways exist for successfully achieving all the SDGs simultaneously, and the global transformations necessary to achieve the Goals urgently need a “robust scientific foundation and fact-based way forward.” Scientists, Governments Discuss GSDR 2019 during HLPF Side Event 11 July 2018: On Wednesday, 11 July 2018, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the Global Sustainable Development Report’s (GSDR) Independent Group of Scientists and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) convened a briefing during which GSDR scientists reported on the status of the next quadrennial GSDR and engaged in discussions with governments and other interested stakeholders. UNEP, UNITAR Discuss System-thinking for SCP 12 July 2018: A workshop on sustainable consumption and production (SCP) reviewed the science behind measuring and ensuring resource efficiency. During the event, participants discussed SCP’s linkages across the SDGs and identified enabling conditions, policy tools and instruments to mainstream SCP into both producers’ and consumers’ daily practices. UN Report Celebrates Increased Access to Broadband in Four LDCs 12 July 2018: The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development’s Working Group on Broadband for the most vulnerable countries launched its report on the role of high-speed internet in helping Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to overcome vulnerabilities, grow economies and enhance people’s livelihoods. HLPF Walking Tour Brings SDG 11 to Life in New York City 10 July 2018: A walking tour organized by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and UN-Habitat showcased initiatives implemented by local officials to boost sustainability and quality of life in the city. The tour focused on transportation infrastructure, mobility of people and better use of public space. HLPF Side Event Presents Tool for Data Governance and SDG Monitoring 11 July 2018: A side event on the theme, ‘StaTact, Data Governance and Monitoring of the SDGs for Strengthening Resilience of Countries in Special Situations,’ presented a statistical tool piloted by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and UN Statistics Division (UNSD) earlier this year. HLPF Side Event Explores the Role of Blockchain Technology in Advancing SDGs 11 July 2018: On Wednesday, 11 July 2018, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the Government of Slovenia, and the Dutch Blockchain Coalition organized a roundtable to explore the role of blockchain technology in advancing achievement of the SDGs. HLPF Side Event Focuses on National Accountability Mechanisms for SDG 6 Implementation 11 July 2018: On Wednesday, 11 July 2018, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and partners convened a side event to launch and discuss the findings of a global review on the effectiveness of national accountability mechanisms towards achieving SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation). Co-facilitators Release Final Draft of Migration Compact 11 July 2018: The co-facilitators from Switzerland and Mexico have circulated the final draft of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. In an accompanying letter, they invite UN Member States and all relevant stakeholders to a meeting on 13 July to conclude the negotiations, and express their conviction that the final draft “represents the way forward on international cooperation in the field of international migration.” The co-facilitators note that the UNGA President, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, and the Secretary-General of the Intergovernmental Conference will attend the meeting, and all relevant stakeholders are invited as well. HLPF Side Event Highlights Role of Indigenous Peoples in Achieving SDGs 10 July 2018: On Tuesday, 10 July, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the Indigenous Peoples Major Group for Sustainable Development (IPMG) organized an event that addressed, among other things, the critical role of securing the lands, territories and resources of indigenous peoples to achieve the SDGs. HLPF Side Event Focuses on Water-Forest Linkages 10 July 2018: On Tuesday, 10 July, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the Permanent Mission of Austria to the UN and the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) organized an event to provide guidance to the Forum on the linkages between SDG 15 (life on land) and the other SDGs. HLPF Side Event Considers UN Partnership on Sustainable Fashion and SDGs 10 July 2018: On the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), a group of UN organizations convened a side event on the theme, ‘UN Partnership on Sustainable Fashion and the SDGs.’ Addressing the lack of a coordinated approach to ensure that the fashion industry contributes to sustainable development, the side event outlined how a UN Partnership on Sustainable Fashion could materialize. HLPF Event Discusses Forests’ Role in Accelerating SDGs 8 July 2018: A UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) event, held on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), explored success stories and lessons learned in implementing forest-based solutions to accelerate achievement of the SDGs. IPoA Progress Report Shows 12 LDCs Ready to Graduate 2 July 2018: The UN Secretary-General’s Report on the ‘Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the Decade 2011–2020’ (IPoA) was introduced for consideration by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The IPoA report provides comprehensive information and analysis on recent progress in LDC countries, covering eight priority areas for action and the overarching goal of enabling graduation from the category. TEEB Presents Framework for Managing Food Systems 26 June 2018: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) for Agriculture & Food has released a study that creates a system-wide framework for calculating the “true cost” of agriculture. The report cautions that the current food system is experiencing stress from climate change and water security and is inadequate to feed the world’s growing population and contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda. Online Guidance Seeks to Improve Climate Services for Adaptation 14 June 2018: The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has launched a preview of an online guidance tool seeking to support the design of effective climate services. The guidance aims to enable coordination, collaboration and communication between scientists and decision makers to use climate information in adaptation planning. HLPF Reviews SDG 7 on Energy, Anticipates “End of Coal” 10 July 2018: The 2018 session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) continued at UN Headquarters in New York, US, with review of implementation of SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy. Several developing countries showcased their own achievements in improving energy access domestically, and many countries highlighted their commitment to increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix. FAO Report Projects Climate Change Impacts on World’s Fisheries 10 July 2018: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) released a publication predicting that climate change will affect the productivity of the world’s freshwater and marine fisheries. The report urges countries to meet their adaptation commitments to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to minimize the impacts of climate change on the world’s fisheries and the livelihoods of the world’s poorest people. Governments Reach Agreement on Review of ECOSOC 10 July 2018: UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Miroslav Lajcak has announced that no UN Member State broke the silence procedure related to the final draft of the resolution on the review of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Following this informal agreement process, the draft resolution will be considered at a plenary meeting of the UNGA, Lajcak notes in his letter to Member States. SLoCaT Finds 2018 VNRs “Fall Short” on Sustainable Transport 10 July 2018: The Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) reported on preliminary findings that gaps persist in country reporting on transport and its contribution to sustainable development in the Voluntary National Reports (VNRs) submitted to the 2018 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). HLPF Side Event Considers How to Leverage Frontier Technologies for Sustainable Cities 9 July 2018: On Monday, 9 July, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the UN organized an event themed, ‘The Future of Cities: Leveraging Frontier Technologies for Sustainable Development.’ HLPF Side Event Considers Gender in SDG 7 9 July 2018: On Monday, 9 July, on the sidelines of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), ENERGIA and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) organized a side event on gender in SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and closing the knowledge gap. HLPF Side Event Considers How to Define Poverty with Those Left Furthest Behind 9 July 2018: Discussants at a side event on the theme, ‘How to Define Poverty with Those Left Furthest Behind’ presented on key aspects of poverty that go beyond financial measures. Organized by ATD Fourth World and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Oxford University and the Permanent Missions of Ecuador and France to the UN, the event highlighted research on causes and consequences of poverty, considering elements such as education, health, data and participatory governance to improve policymaking. State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report Highlights Impacts of Fisheries on 10 SDGs 9 July 2018: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) has released a flagship report showing that nearly 60% of the world’s fisheries are sustainably harvested, a decreasing trend from 90% of fisheries in 1974. The report underscores the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to combating hunger and malnutrition (SDG 2), fighting poverty (SDG) and contributing to economic growth (SDG 8), among other Goals. UNGA Adopts Management, Peacebuilding Restructuring Proposals Following Fifth Committee Approval 5 July 2018: The UN General Assembly has endorsed the establishment of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations, as proposed by the UN Secretary-General. It also approved the reorganization of the current Department of Management and Department of Field Support into the proposed new Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, and Department of Operational Support. Following agreement on these matters in the (UNGA) Fifth Committee (Budgetary and Administrative). Following agreement in the Fifth Committee on resolutions outlining these decisions, the UNGA met to adopt the text. Vatican Launches International Ecology Conference 5 July 2018: The Vatican launched an international conference on ecology, marking the third anniversary of Pope Francis’s Encyclical ‘Laudato Sì.’ Political and religious leaders, scientists, economists and civil society organizations (CSOs) discussed ways to increase awareness among the general public on the gravity of the environmental crisis that the world is facing. UNFCCC Publishes Agendas for Additional Bangkok Session 4 July 2018: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published the agendas for the Bangkok Climate Change Conference, including the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA). SBSTTA Side-event Discusses Measuring Agrobiodiversity 3 July 2018: Participants discussed the application of the Agrobiodiversity Index to accelerate progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets during a side event at the 22nd meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 22). The Agrobiodiversity Index is a tool to measure and manage agricultural biodiversity (agrobiodiversity) in sustainable food systems. ESCWA Reports on Migration and Sustainable Development July 2018: Both labor migration as well as protracted conflicts in the region have led to an increase in the migrant population of Arab states, according to a report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The report covers developments from 2015-2017 on migration and sustainable development in the region, and identifies SDG targets that are directly and indirectly related to human mobility. WMO Takes Leadership of World Water Data Initiative 25 June 2018: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) took on the leadership of the World Water Data Initiative at a meeting of the WMO Executive Council in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Water Data Initiative is a global effort previously launched by the Government of Australia to promote hydrometry as a basis for implementing SDG 6 on access to clean water and sanitation. New Energy Outlook Forecasts Cheaper Renewables and Batteries, Shrinking Role of Fossil Fuels 19 June 2018: Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has published its ‘New Energy Outlook 2018,’ which focuses on technologies that drive change in energy markets. The report includes price forecasts to 2050 for coal, oil and natural gas, and looks at how changes in both production and demand will impact the use of fossil fuels and renewables alike. Asian Ministerial Calls for Accountability for Disaster Losses, Advances Work to Reduce Displacement 9 July 2018: The Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) gathered in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, aiming to increase funding for DRR and advance disaster prevention efforts. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, which calls for greater accountability for disaster losses in Asia, the world’s most disaster-prone region, as well as a two-year action plan to accelerate implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR in Asia. Governments Start Final Round of Migration Compact Negotiations 9 July 2018: UN Member States are meeting in New York, US, for the final round of negotiations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. On 9 July 2018, delegations began sharing comments on the third revised draft of the compact (‘Draft Rev 3’), circulated by the co-facilitators on 29 June 2018. Many found the text balanced, and several delegations said they were looking forward to finalizing the compact by Friday, 13 July. HLPF Blog Addresses Gender Equality, Sustainable Transport, Asia-Pacific Progress 6 July 2018: In the latest posts to the blog series on the 2018 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), UN officials and civil society leaders highlight: the importance of public transport, walking and cycling; findings on the roots of gender inequality; and progress “in the wrong direction” for countries in Asia-Pacific. UN Biodiversity Lab Offers Spatial Data for Conservation, Development 5 July 2018: The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP, or UN Environment) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) launched an interactive mapping program that supports informed decision-making on biodiversity conservation and development challenges. The groups launched the ‘UN Biodiversity Lab’ at the 22nd meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 22). International Gender Champions Report on Panel Parity 5 July 2018: The annual report of the International Gender Champions network was presented at the UN, highlighting that 205 champions from over 60 countries have made 600 commitments to advance gender equality, since the network was launched in 2015. Human Rights Council Panelists Urge Capacity Building on Data 4 July 2018: The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held a panel discussion on helping countries meet their human rights obligations while taking steps to achieve the SDGs. Speakers highlighted the need for technical cooperation, especially in the area of setting indicators and gathering data, and concluded that human rights and the SDGs are “mutually dependent and reinforcing,” and technical cooperation is necessary for identifying and addressing issues of discrimination and human rights abuses. Urban Planners’ Communiqué Calls for Climate Action 3 July 2018: Planners for Climate Action issued a statement calling on cities and urban planners to address climate change through planning practices, capacity building and knowledge development. The communiqué notes that the group should be a key voice in discussions on how to deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, given planners’ experience and the relevance of cities. 1.5°C Warming Limit Crucial to Avoiding Heat-Related Deaths in Europe, Study Says 3 July 2018: Limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels (the lower level of what was agreed under the Paris Agreement on climate change) could save many lives in Europe by avoiding heat stress, according to research published by the University of Bristol. The study’s release coincides with ongoing heatwaves in much of Europe, where citizens are being warned to take extra care. World Public Sector Report Invites Input on Institutions for SDGs Ahead of 2019 HLPF July 2018: The UN’s Division for Public Institutions and Digital Government (DPIDG) in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) issued an open call for contributions for the 2019 edition of the World Public Sector Report (WPSR), to address progress on the institutional dimensions of SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). SDG 16 will be one of the Goals reviewed in-depth at the 2019 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Foreign Direct Investment Key to Africa’s Urban Development, UN-Habitat Report Finds 21 June 2018: Foreign firms and investors in African cities can play a critical role in the region's development, according to a UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) report that examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa’s cities. Regional Dialogue Highlights Synergies between Climate and Development Agendas 23 May 2018: A Regional Dialogue on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) showcased Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian countries’ climate actions taken to date and demonstrated their linkages to the SDGs. The dialogue served as a springboard for knowledge exchange among countries in the region as they push forward on increasingly ambitious long-term development strategies. Stakeholders Respond to SDG 6 Synthesis Report July 2018: UN-Water has concluded one of three public dialogues on the 'SDG 6 Synthesis Report 2018 on Water and Sanitation.' The dialogue, which will continue through September, will canvass the following issues: overall feedback (moderated, 2 - 31 May); main messages for the High-level Political Forum (moderated, 25 June - 20 July); and looking forward and next steps (moderated, 31 August - 30 September). Co-Facilitators Make "Last Attempt" at Agreement on ECOSOC Reform Review 6 July 2018: The co-facilitators of the process to review reforms to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) have issued a final text of a draft resolution on ‘Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 68/1 on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council.’ They announced that it will be under silence procedure until 10 July at 5pm, New York time. LDCs Meet to Advance Paris Agreement Operationalization Ahead of COP 24 4 July 2018: The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group on Climate Change, a negotiating bloc that includes LDCs from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific, recently met to galvanize support and help build momentum for an ambitious outcome at the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) to the UNFCCC in December in Katowitce, Poland. BCCIC Assesses Canada's Progress on SDGs 4 July 2018: An independent report from the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) notes that Canada is currently not on track to implement the 2030 Agenda. The authors express encouragement, however, that the country has committed CAN$100 million dollars in 2018 toward SDG implementation and coordination. Civil Society Organizations Outline 11 SDG Recommendations for Switzerland 3 July 2018: Some civil society organizations of countries that are presenting their Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) at the 2018 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) have issued independent reports that assess national progress on the SDGs. In Switzerland for instance, Platform Agenda 2030, which involves more than 40 civil society actors working towards implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, released a report with recommendations on respecting planetary boundaries, human rights, participation and inclusion, policy coherence for sustainable development, and institutional arrangements. Stakeholders Report on SDG Progress and Challenges in Pakistan July 2018: Stakeholders in Pakistan have issued a report outlining their the country’s achievements and challenges related to SDG implementation. Pakistan is scheduled to present a Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the 2019 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Central Asia, South Caucasus Enhance Regional Cooperation to Implement Sendai Framework, 2030 Agenda 29 June 2018: The 2018 Sub-Regional Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Central Asia and South Caucasus has issued a declaration emphasizing the participants’ commitment to strengthening implementation of the Sendai Framework for DRR and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ESCWA Ministerial Launches Arab Centre for Climate Change Policies 29 June 2018: The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) 30th Ministerial Session established an ESCWA-led Arab centre for climate change policies to prepare studies and build Arab capacity, especially in the field of climate change negotiations. WMO Annual Report Highlights the Role of Climate Services and Information in Advancing SDGs 21 June 2018: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued its 2017 annual report titled, ‘Services for Decision-Making.’ The report provides an overview of progress made by the WMO and its members to improve the delivery of predictions and information by ensuring that service providers consult with users when developing new services to better help communities prepare for climate change and build resilience. UNESCO Creative Cities Network Commits to Culture- and Creativity-led SDG Implementation 16 June 2018: The 12th Annual Meeting of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which met under the theme ‘Creative Crossroads,’ highlighted the ways in which cultural and creative industries can generate decent work and economic growth that impact cities, help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life. CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS SEE MORE » 33rd Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI 33) 9-13 July 2018 | Rome, Lazio, Italy 40th Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol 9-13 July 2018 | Vienna, Wien, Austria Intergovernmental Negotiations on Migration Compact - July 2018 9-13 July 2018 | New York City, US Second Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation of the CBD 9-13 July 2018 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) 2018 9-18 July 2018 | New York City, US Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2018 11-13 July 2018 | Singapore HLPF Special Event: Partnership Exchange 2018 13 July 2018 | New York City, US Workshop on South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Climate Action and Sustainable Development 13 July 2018 | Singapore, Singapore HLPF Workshop: Global Workshop for VNR Countries - Final Preparations and Follow-up 15 July 2018 | New York City, US 47th Session of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf 16 July 2018 | New York City, US HLPF Side Event: Transforming Our Economies and Lifestyles - Greener and Fairer for Future Generatio... 16 July 2018 | New York City, US HLPF Special Event: Local and Regional Authorities Forum 2018 16 July 2018 | New York City, US UNGA High-level Dialogue on Sand and Dust Storms 16 July 2018 | New York City, US 2018 ECOSOC High-Level Segment 16-19 July 2018 | New York City, US 24th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 24) and World Forest Week 16-20 July 2018 | Rome, Lazio, Italy 24th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority (Second Part) 16-27 July 2018 | Kingston, Jamaica 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). Click here for further information on the IISD's SDG Knowledge Hub .