Amid growing inequality, escalating climate threats, persistent poverty, and widening digital divides, world leaders today warned that sustainable development remains critically off track — underscored by a staggering $4 trillion annual financing gap. At the conclusion of the High-level Political Forum held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, Member States adopted a ministerial declaration reaffirming the international community’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The three-day ministerial segment, on the theme “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] — for leaving no one behind”, culminated in the adoption of the Declaration (document E/HLPF/2025/L.1), introduced by the representative of Czechia.
Adopted by a recorded vote of 154 in favour to 2 against (Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions (Iran, Paraguay), ministers pledged to act with urgency, uphold the principle of leaving no one behind, and emphasized good governance, peace, and multilateralism as critical enablers of sustainable development. The Declaration laid out priority actions across the SDGs, calling for bold, science- and evidence-based solutions to advance progress.
The wide-ranging Declaration urged increased investment in climate adaptation, disaster resilience, digital connectivity, biodiversity protection, and food security. On SDG 3 (Health and Well-Being), leaders reaffirmed the importance of universal health coverage, equitable vaccine access, and resilient health systems—particularly in light of the ongoing impact of health and economic crises on vulnerable populations.
On gender equality, recognized as a key accelerator of development, Member States committed to ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, closing the gender digital divide, investing in care systems, and supporting women’s full participation in leadership and the economy. With regard to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), leaders reiterated their commitment to promoting fair wages, decent work, and economic opportunity—especially for women, youth, and informal workers—through inclusive policies, green innovation, and education.
On SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the Declaration underscored the urgent need to reform the global financial architecture, scale up international development cooperation, and boost support for developing countries. It endorsed the Sevilla Commitment, called for inclusive tax systems and stronger global economic governance, and encouraged greater use of voluntary national reviews to track progress and share best practices.
As the 2030 deadline looms, the Declaration delivers a clear message: accelerated, collective, and science-driven action is essential to achieve the SDGs and create a more just, equitable, and resilient future for all.
A lack of consensus was demonstrated in the leadup to the vote on the Ministerial Declaration as a whole as well. First, the Council rejected an amendment concerning paragraph 48 of the declaration by a recorded vote of 52 in favour to 99 against, with 2 abstentions (Andorra, Liberia). Next, it decided to retain paragraph 14 by a recorded vote of 116 in favour to 2 against, with 36 abstentions. It then decided to retain paragraphs 39, 56, 58, 61 and 62 by a recorded vote of 141 in favour to 2 against (United States, Ethiopia), with 5 abstentions (Belarus, Iran, Liberia, Paraguay, Russian Federation). Finally, it decided to retain paragraph 72 by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 1 against (United States), with 1 abstention (Russian Federation).
And, amidst these votes, some delegations also took the floor to disassociate from certain concepts, phrases and terms within the Ministerial Declaration.
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