High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development

  • HLPF was formed in 2012 (Rio+20) by replacing Commission on Sustainable Development.
  • The forum since its inception meets annually under the auspices of Economic and Social Council and UNGA.
  • Its central role is to follow-up and review the progress under ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – Sustainable Development Goals’ at the global level.

High Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2019

Theme: “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”.

SDGs that were Discussed

  1. Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  2. Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
  3. Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  4. Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  5. Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
  6. Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Specific Functions

  • Conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country-driven.
  • Provide a platform for partnerships, including through the participation of major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)

  • CSD was formed in 1992 by UN General Assembly to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. It basically acted as a participatory forum, engaging in its formal proceedings a wide range of official stakeholders and partners through innovative formulae.
  • In RIO+20 Conference, it was replaced by High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Conclusion

Sustainable development is about finding better ways of doing things, both for the future and the present. We might need to change the way we work and live now, but this doesn’t amount to poor quality of life at present. Countries around the world have shown cost efficiency and better performance while adopting sustainable practices (UK saved 60 million Euros via SDC scrutiny in a year); India too must strive hard to make sustainable development its base on policy imperatives.

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