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, 3 August 2018 GUEST ARTICLES Navakavu Qoi! Leading Locally, Achieving Together With the vision “to build a Resilient Navakavu – O Navakavu Qoi!” the Navakavu Revitalization Strategy 2018-2022 (NRS) was a timely development framework for the Yavusa vakaturaga o Navakavu, a traditional Fijian unit, which comprise of five villages – Muaivuso, Nabaka, Waiqanake, Namakala and Ucuinamono. It is a leading example of how local governance structures are helping to meet national and international development frameworks and priorities. Unanswered Questions: How Civil Society’s Contributions to Sustainable Development are Undermined at the HLPF As Colombia joined 45 other countries in New York last month to review progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, four grassroots activists were killed as they fought for sustainable development in Colombian communities. A question posed by an Indigenous representative to the government about such killings - of which there were more than 100 last year - went unanswered, illustrating the many layers at which civil society is obstructed from meaningful participation in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, from the local level to the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Engaging Non-state Actors in the Arabian Gulf States in Climate Action Efforts by non-state and subnational actors to address climate change are increasingly seen as complementary to those of national governments. The year 2015 was a landmark year for climate action: the world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 SDGs, including Goal 13 (climate action), and the Paris Agreement on climate change, under which governments agreed to limit global warming to “well below 2°C.” In practice, however, governments alone are unable to reach these targets. It is estimated that the collective pledges made by Parties to the Paris Agreement would lead to a temperature rise of at least 3-4oC, if implemented. How Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform Could Get Us on Target Towards Universal Energy Access Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 calls upon the global community to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York noted progress, but also established that the world is still not on track to reach the targets on energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energies. POLICY BRIEFS SDG Knowledge Weekly: Private Sector Engagement, Public Finance and the G20 Each year, governments conduct an in-depth review of progress toward SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals) at the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). This brief, following on the examination of SDG 17 at the HLPF earlier this month, looks at recent papers, pledges and announcements relating to financial means of delivering the SDGs, including on strengthening private sector engagement and generating and protecting public finance. FEATURED Institutional Finance Update: Investors Increase Climate Action, MDBs Support Energy Efficiency and Green Transport Initiatives 31 July 2018: During the month of July, several multilateral development banks (MDBs) advanced their climate finance targets with various loans and grants announced in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. Investors expanded their focus list of companies that have significant opportunities to drive the clean energy transition and help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. 42 Countries to Present VNRs to HLPF 2019 1 August 2018: Rhonda King, President of ECOSOC, has informed all UN Permanent Representatives and Observers that the list of countries to present Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) at the 2019 meeting of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) has been closed. Seven countries will present VNRs for a second time, while 35 countries will present their first VNRs at 2019 HLPF. BRICS Declaration Calls for Full Implementation of Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda 27 July 2018: Following the tenth BRICS Summit themed, ‘BRICS in Africa: Collaboration for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4th Industrial Revolution,’ leaders of Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) issued a statement titled, ‘Johannesburg Declaration,’ underlining their countries’ commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. First-ever Global Disability Summit Yields 170 Commitments 24 July 2018: The Global Disability Summit resulted in 170 commitments to end stigma and tackle discrimination against persons with disabilities, and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access and voice in society. In addition, 301 governments and organizations signed the ‘Charter for Change,’ an action plan to implement the UN International Convention on Disability. The Summit was the first ever to be convened on disability. UNGA Restructures ECOSOC Cycle, Calls for Single Theme for HLPF and ECOSOC 23 July 2018: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution on strengthening the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Among other changes laid out in the text are a restructuring of segments and forums, and a call to improve the Voluntary National Reviews on SDG implementation. NEWS Earth Overshoot Day: World Consumes Annual Resources Budget in Seven Months 1 August 2018: The world overshot its annual resources budget for 2018 in just seven months, according to the Global Footprint Network, which means that people are consuming nature’s resources 1.7 times faster than the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate them. Adaptation Finance Update: Experience Sharing Enhances Access to Climate Finance, Improves Adaptation Practices 31 July 2018: During the month of July, several adaptation programmes around the world achieved access to climate finance. The Adaptation Fund approved a pilot South-South cooperation readiness support package to foster cooperation on adaptation project development, accreditation and access to climate finance. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) finalized its long-term corporate strategy to 2030, with 75% of its committed operations supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation. UNGA President-elect Provides Guidance on 73rd General Debate 27 July 2018: María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President-elect of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), announced that the theme of the upcoming general debate will be, ‘Making the United Nations Relevant to All People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.’ The 73rd General Debate will begin on 25 September 2018 and run for approximately nine days. FAO Reports that Early Action Mitigates Impacts of Severe Drought 26 July 2018: Intervening early in countries where natural disasters are likely to hit can mitigate impacts and prevent humanitarian emergencies, according to a report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). The report focuses on interventions in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia in advance of catastrophic 2017 drought. VNR Labs, Publications Explore Ways to Leave No One Behind, “Push” No One Behind 25 July 2018: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) convened a series of eight ‘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 UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) released publications related to the concept of leave no one behind (LNOB). Researchers Propose Metric Combining Poverty and Health 23 July 2018: Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanford University have developed a ‘poverty-free life expectancy’ (PFLE) metric that aims to provide a composite measure of health and economic well-being around the world. The PFLE operationalizes the link between health and economic policies, in line with the SDG agenda, and aims to encourage regular tracking and reporting on progress towards longer and better lives. Caux Dialogue Addresses Land, Human Security and Migration Nexus 21 July 2018: The 2018 edition of the five-day Caux Dialogue on Land and Security (CDLS) – part of the annual Caux Forum of conferences, training and dialogues – discussed how to advance development initiatives that link issues of land degradation, climate change and human security. Business Forum Calls for Responsible Practices to Achieve SDGs 17 July 2018: Many of the world’s biggest companies are increasingly engaged with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to participants attending the third annual SDG Business Forum on the sidelines of the 2018 meeting of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The event brought together more than 600 representatives to discuss responsible business and alignment of business practices with the SDGs. Adelphi Examines SDGs from a Foreign Policy Perspective 17 July 2018: A paper released by adelphi in the margins of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) maps out how the SDGs are relevant for foreign policy, focusing on the six Goals under review at the 2018 session of the Forum (SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 15 and 17). The paper considers how each Goal reviewed might affect progress on foreign policy. DESA Calls for Good Practices, Success Stories on SDG Implementation July 2018: The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is inviting submissions of best practices, success stories and lessons learned on SDG implementation so far. DESA aims to collate stories from various sectors and stakeholder groups in an "evidence-based stocktaking" in preparation for the 2019 session of the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Friend or Foe? Paper Assesses Accountability Regimes for SDGs 25 June 2018: A paper by several experts assesses whether an accountability regime for the SDG agenda is compatible with an integrated approach that spreads implementation responsibilities across actors and sectors. The authors from Wageningen University, International Environment Forum and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) explore the degree to which accountability is in synergy or in conflict with policy integration. International Seabed Authority Adopts Strategic Plan, Discusses Draft Regulations 29 July 2018: The second part of the 24th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council made progress on the draft exploitation regulations on deep-seabed mining, while recognizing the need for further work on the payment mechanism, environmental protection and the Enterprise. The ISA Assembly adopted the Strategic Plan for 2019-2023, with many welcoming the open consultation that preceded it as well as the placing of the ISA’s mandate in the context of the SDGs. UNDP Report Discusses Climate-SDG Nexus in Arab Region 26 July 2018: Climate risks threaten development gains in the Arab region, and will lead to an increase in “eco-migrants” and undermine efforts to end poverty, inequality and hunger by 2030, according to a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report that highlights challenges and opportunities of building climate resilience in the region. State of California, Fujitsu Advance Climate Action 26 July 2018: In recent news regarding efforts to address climate change, the US state of California and the global technology company Fujitsu advanced climate action, while the 2018 trend of extreme weather extended into July. California announced that it has met one of its climate goals early, with the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2016 measuring less than the amount emitted in 1990, a target California committed to meet by 2020 under its climate change law. Halfway around the world, Fujitsu committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2050. China’s Xie Zhenhua Named Fifth Co-Chair of Global Climate Action Summit 24 July 2018: The Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) has announced Xie Zhenhua, Special Representative for Climate Change Affairs, China, as its fifth Co-Chair. He joins the four other GCAS Co-Chairs: Governor of California Jerry Brown, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action Michael Bloomberg, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa and Mahindra Group Chair Anand Mahindra. Report Identifies Agriculture as Greatest Source of Water Pollution 23 July 2018: Water pollution from unsustainable agricultural practices threatens human health and ecosystems, according to a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on behalf of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems. UNESCO-IOC Briefs on Declining Ocean Oxygen 20 July 2018: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published a policy brief that shares scientific data and conclusions on the declining levels of oxygen in the world’s oceans and coastal waters. The brief aims to provide policymakers with the latest information on deoxygenation to enable them to make decisions and take actions on the issue. COFO 24 Focuses on SDGs, Launches Forest and Farm Facility Initiative Phase Two 20 July 2018: The 24th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) called for increased efforts in the forest sector to achieve the SDGs and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The event focused on the theme, ‘Forests and the Sustainable Development Goals—from aspiration to action.’ Climate Mitigation Finance Update: Celebrating Fossil Fuel Divestment, a Climate Finance Record and 10 Years of REDD+ Support 19 July 2018: Climate mitigation finance news in July included announcements celebrating Ireland's fossil fuel divestment bill, the World Bank Group's record in climate finance and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility's 10 year anniversary, as well as a new finance partnership for sustainable infrastructure in Asia and financing for renewable energy in Croatia, Uruguay, Tunisia and Sub-Saharan Africa. ECOSOC High-Level Segment Urges Faster SDG Implementation 19 July 2018: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) convened its high-level segment, held jointly with the ministerial meeting of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). It adopted the joint ministerial declaration, held a general debate, and convened a panel discussion on the global economy and international trade in the context of sustainable development. HLPF Concludes with Vote on Ministerial Declaration, Concerns about "Power of Mandate" and Those Left Behind 18 July 2018: The UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) concluded its 2018 meeting by voting to adopt a Ministerial Declaration on the theme, ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.’ The eight-day session also: heard 46 countries' Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), highlighting plans and efforts to implement the SDGs; reviewed six of the 17 SDGs; conducted thematic reviews; held a discussion on progress in "leaving no one behind;" and convened a High-Level General Debate. WWF Event “Bends the Curve" on Forest Loss 17 July 2018: An event titled, '30x30 Forests, Food, and Land Challenge: Bending the curve on forest loss,' convened on the margins of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) to discuss the intersection of land use, food systems and climate change. Organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and hosted at the World Economic Forum (WEF), the event highlighted actions that companies are taking to increase sustainability and halt deforestation in their supply chains. UNESCO-IOC Executive Council Adopts Ocean Decade Roadmap 13 July 2018: The 51st session of the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the roadmap for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Council also addressed ocean science requirements for addressing climate uncertainty, stressors affecting marine life and strategies and tools for science-based ocean planning, among other agenda items. Asia-Pacific Climate Week Supports NDC, SDG Implementation in Region 14 July 2018: Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2018 (APCW2018) convened under the theme, ‘Climate Action for Sustainable Development: Driving Change in Asia-Pacific.’ Featuring a range of events aimed at showcasing and galvanizing climate action in the region, APCW2018 aimed to support regional implementation of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on climate change and efforts to achieve the SDGs. WWF Report Considers Forests in Delivering the 2030 Agenda 11 July 2018: A paper launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on the margins of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) examines the role that forests play in delivering the SDGs. Emphasizing that the Goals and targets interlink with each other and can have synergies or trade-offs, the paper features case studies on how SDG 15 (life on land) can help achieve the other five Goals that were reviewed at the Forum and vice versa. UNFCCC Launches Talanoa Dialogue Video Series on Climate Ambition 3 July 2018: The UNFCCC Secretariat has released a video featuring conversations with participants of the official Talanoa Dialogue during the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, in May 2018. The ‘Talanoa for Ambition’ video is the first in a series of videos to be released ahead of the political phase of the Talanoa Dialogue. Mexico Highlights Potential Co-Benefits from Integrating Climate, Sustainable Development Agendas July 2018: Promoting national-level integrated implementation and a co-benefits approach is the only way to effectively advance both climate action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to the Executive Summary of a report published by the Government of Mexico and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Youth Curriculum Helps Communities Adapt to Climate Change July 2018: A new curriculum helps youth understand climate change and take practical action to adapt to its impacts in their communities through the use of games and creative activities. The Y-Adapt curriculum titled, ‘Youth Action on Developing Adaptation Plans for Tomorrow,’ also promotes actions focused on local interventions that reduce the impacts of extreme weather events. CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS SEE MORE » Civil Society 20 Summit (C20 2018) 6-7 August 2018 | Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina Social Pre-COP in Poland to the Katowice Climate Change Conference 8-12 August 2018 | Katowice, Slaskie, Poland International Youth Day 2018 12 August 2018 | worldwide 21st World Congress of Soil Science 12-17 August 2018 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Youth 20 Summit (Y20 2018) 13-19 August 2018 | Cordoba, Argentina ReGeneration2030 Summit 18-19 August 2018 | Finland People and Forests Forum 2018 19-20 August 2018 | Bangkok (Krung Thep), Thailand XXVII International Primatological Society Congress 19-25 August 2018 | Nairobi, Kenya Youth Employment in Agriculture as a Solid Solution to Ending Hunger and Poverty in Africa 20-21 August 2018 | Kigali, Rwanda Second Clean Pacific Roundtable 20-22 August 2018 | Suva, Central, Fiji Latin American and Caribbean Climate Week 20-23 August 2018 | Montevideo, Uruguay Forum on Strengthening Capacities of Public Administration in Island States 20-24 August 2018 | Colombo, Sri Lanka Latin American and Caribbean Carbon Forum 21-23 August 2018 | Montevideo, Uruguay Eleventh Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole on the Regular Process for Global Reportin... 23-24 August 2018 | New York City, US G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting 23-24 August 2018 | Salta, Argentina 29th UN-Water Meeting 24-25 August 2018 | Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden 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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