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The UN DESA Annual Highlights report is a tool to communicate the contributions of the Department to the realization of internationally agreed development goals and shared social, economic, and environmental aspirations. It showcases the Department’s role in gauging trends, building capacities, and shaping solutions. UN DESA Highlights 2023–2024 covers activities over the period of the 78th Session of the General Assembly (September 2023 – August 2024) and reflects the Department’s response to the set priorities and expressed needs of Member States. Seven (7) thematic chapters showcase how UN DESA put its expertise to the task of supporting Member State efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda amidst multiple, intertwined, compounding crises, building their capacities to respond effectively and shape a transformative recovery that builds their resilience for the future. The report also showcases four (4) cross-cutting approaches used by the Department to attain the expected results.

 

Looking towards a Sustainable, Prosperous, and Inclusive Future

Introduction

by Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs

 

The year 2023 marked a watershed moment in our collective journey towards the SDGs. The SDG Summit, with its groundbreaking Political Declaration, reinvigorated our global commitment and set the stage for accelerated action. UN DESA stands ready to harness this momentum from this year’s Summit of the Future, helping Member States to put the 2030 Agenda back on track. In these challenging times, our mission as the home of the development pillar within the UN system has never been more critical.

This edition of the UN DESA Highlights shows how we deliver across three key pillars of work – intergovernmental support, analysis, and capacity-building. It showcases the Department’s tangible results over the course of the 78th session of the General Assembly (September 2023-August 2024). It demonstrates UN DESA’s commitment to the Secretary-General’s vision of safeguarding people and planet, and highlights our efforts to achieve the SDGs with just six years remaining.

 

Chapters


 

Accelerating action on the SDGs

Interlinked crises and ongoing conflicts continue to threaten SDG progress. In 2023–2024, through the SDG Summit, High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) and other intergovernmental processes, UN DESA continued to support Member States to deliver sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions to realize the 2030 Agenda and leave no one behind.


 

Reducing poverty and inequality

UN DESA’s initiatives to eliminate poverty, reduce inequalities, and address the structural weaknesses of countries in crisis highlight its dedication to creating a fairer and more equitable world for everyone. By empowering small and medium-sized businesses, promoting innovative solutions, supporting cooperatives, advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and advancing disability inclusion, the Department is driving significant changes across the SDGs.


 

Ensuring sustainable financing

The world is facing a sustainable development crisis, with financing challenges at its heart imperiling the SDGs and climate action. To address these challenges, UN DESA’s support was centered around preparation for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025, which will be a last chance to correct course if the SDGs are to be achieved by their 2030 deadline.


 

Making data count

High-quality data serves as the bedrock of effective policymaking and strategic action to achieve the SDGs. To support countries in addressing the challenges, UN DESA has a critical role in setting standards, as well as data collection and reporting to monitor and assess progress.


 

Strengthening national institutions and accountability

Effective governance is more crucial than ever for achieving the SDGs. By assisting Member States in advancing effective, accountable and inclusive public institutions, UN DESA has helped to promote people’s well-being, especially those at risk of being left behind.


 

Ending the war on nature

The world faces cascading and interlinked crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. UN DESA addresses the drivers of the war against nature, advocating for a holistic and comprehensive approach to global energy transitions and sustainable use and management of ecosystems such as the ocean, freshwater, and forests.


 

Framing the future of development

As the world navigates complex and interconnected challenges, UN DESA’s focus on forecasting, foresight, and long-term intergenerational thinking is critical for advancing sustainable development. In 2023–2024, UN DESA’s efforts aimed at strengthening the underlying capacities of countries and the multilateral system, as well as the future generations to address present and future challenges.

Cross-Cutting Areas

About UN DESA

Key Topics

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