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Mark Netto, 2024 HLPF Fellow
What is the United Nations’ High Level Political Forum (HLPF)? As I was preparing to apply for the Global Voices HLPF Fellowship, I was wondering the same thing. During the application process I researched the objectives of HLPF and its global significance. I learnt that the forum is a vital annual platform for reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around the world. As the name suggests, it focuses primarily on national and ‘high-level’ policy interventions. It was clear throughout my research that this event was centred around policy and civil society rather than politics. As a global citizen passionate about public policy it was an exciting prospect to hear about the work that goes into developing and implementing successful policies across different countries and contexts.
The HLPF’s main focus, the SDGs, have appeared intermittently throughout my academic journey – briefly mentioned in high school and at university. However, it was not until the HLPF that I understood how powerful a tool they can be. The SDGs provide society with a benchmark to measure our progress towards a fully sustainable future. They provide our governments with targets, holding them accountable for shortcomings and under investments so that they can periodically realign their approach. It was an amazing experience to see certain countries present their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). These presentations involved representatives showcasing their challenges, successes and learnings in implementing the 2030 Agenda. The pride with which they presented their most innovative policies was inspiring. They covered aspects of health, climate change, equal access to education, efforts to eliminate gendered violence and more. Throughout the VNRs I remember feeling a rush of optimism as I learnt about the work of brave and passionate people in addressing some of the world’s most persistent wicked problems.
During the breaks between the main HLPF sessions, we had the chance to delve further into specific topics at ‘side events’. One of the most moving discussions I attended was organised by Norway’s Permanent Mission to the UN. The event investigated the importance of citizen emissions monitoring at the community level. As a Fellow completing a policy proposal that focuses on renewable energy, this topic felt especially relevant. The community focus of this event also provided a refreshing shift from the predominantly high-level policies being discussed at the HLPF. Sharon Lavigne, the founder of an organisation called Rise Saint James, spoke about her life in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley. The region is plagued by over 200 petrochemical plants along 137 km of some of the most disadvantaged communities in the US. Her vivid account of living in a community where cancer is so prevalent was devastating and eye-opening. She explained that while air pollution might feel distant since it is largely out of any one person’s control, its effects are deeply personal. With the WHO estimating that 90% of people around the world breathe polluted air, Lavigne’s story highlights how important sustainable chemical and energy production is for a better future.
The HLPF highlighted some challenges ahead, for example, the world is only 17% on track to achieve all the SGDs by the 2030 target and stories such as Sharon Lavigne’s shows what is at stake. However, overall, the forum was a reason to be optimistic. It was wonderful to see how many civil servants, politicians, academics and other global thought leaders came together working to achieve such ambitious goals. As a young Australian it filled me with confidence that a collaborative approach is being taken to address serious global sustainability issues. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the 2024 HLPF, it is an experience that will forever influence my work and decision making as a global citizen.
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The views and opinions expressed by Global Voices Fellows do not necessarily reflect those of the organisation or its staff.