VIVAT International participated in the High Level Political Forum 2019 and was part of two side events. 1. “Lived Experiences of Inequality (SDG 10): Grassroots Respond”. This was based on the survey on SDG 10. 2. “From Grounded Policy, Through Embodied Practice, To Broad Participation”.
High Level Political Forum 2019 under the auspices of ECOSOC
The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) convened under the auspices of the ECOSOC was held from 9 – 18 July 2019 followed by a day of discussion at the High-Level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on 19 July, on visions and projections for the future of the SDGs and long-term scenarios. The Forum deliberated on the theme, “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality“. SDGS 4 (education); Goal 8 (decent work and sustainable economic growth); Goal 10 (Inequality); Goal 13 (Climate change); Goal 16 (Peaceful and inclusive societies); Goal 17 (Global partnership) were reviewed. The program included Thematic Reviews, Ministerial meetings and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by 47 countries.
In his opening address to the HLPF Ministerial Segment UN Secretary-General António Guterres unequivocally said, “We are not yet on track and must step it up,” He said that the picture is unsettling, with poverty rates not falling fast enough to meet the 2030 “no poverty” goal, and fair and efficient justice systems are beyond the reach of some 5 billion people and invited the member states to action.
The Forum also identified new threats to SDG implementation in line with its mandate to identify emerging issues, such as climate change, a reduced pace of economic growth, the threat of a further decline in the economy and new technologies.
The civil society participation was through 9 Major groups, and statements made called the governments to action on issues of climate change, quality education, decent work, inclusion and empowerment.
VIVAT International worked in the planning and organization of two side events.
- As a subcommittee member of the Grassroots Taskforce, which is one of the subcommittees of the NGO Committee on Social Development (NGO CSocD) VIVAT worked on the side event, “Lived Experiences of Inequality (SDG 10): Grassroots Respond”. This was based on the survey on SDG 10. The event presented the main findings of the survey one inequality followed by grassroots level sharing by three panelists based on their personal experience. Monica Sanchez, who is the trauma counselor LSA Family Health Service was one of the panelists. She shared on how she helps the migrants to overcome their trauma through art therapy. Sr. Susanne Lachapelle made her interventions based on many years of experience.
- As a member of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Major Group, VIVAT International worked with the team that planned the side event, “From Grounded Policy, Through Embodied Practice, To Broad Participation”. Thematic discussions focused on access to Water, Land and Impact of Climate Change, extreme Poverty and Human Rights, foundations for Good Governance, challenges and actions.
