Strong, Flexible Partnerships Can Swiftly Transform 2030 Agenda Commitments into Lasting Results, Secretary-General Tells Economic and Social Council

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message, as delivered by David Nabarro, Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to the Economic and Social Council Partnership Forum, in New York today:

I am pleased to send greetings to the annual Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council [ECOSOC].  To successfully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must swiftly move from commitments to action and, to do that, we need strong, inclusive and integrated partnerships at all levels.

The Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] offer an ideal framework to create synergies across sectors, with the engagement of government actors, international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector.  To accelerate implementation, we need effective partnerships that embrace diverse perspectives and employ wide expertise.  They need to be flexible, and move quickly to mobilize resources and capacities.  In that way, they can fill gaps and reflect the interlinkages embodied by the SDGs.

I commend Member States for leading efforts to promote effective partnerships in support of the 2030 Agenda through ECOSOC.  In these efforts, we must be guided by the principles of transparency and accountability.  This applies to the work of all multi-stakeholder partnerships and Governments will have a critical role to play in their governance.

Multi-stakeholder working is increasingly demonstrating its value.  The partnerships that work best are those with a clear vision, effective internal governance structures, commitment by all partners and trust among all involved.  In implementing Agenda 2030, we must encourage partnerships that provide mutual benefit and uphold the values and goals of the United Nations.

The UN is committed to assisting Governments and other stakeholders as they establish, implement and monitor mechanisms for achieving the SDGs.  The United Nations system will act as a catalyst and facilitator, supporting initiation of efforts, including multi-stakeholder platforms, fora for accounting and review and monitoring and impact measurement.

In all this work, the United Nations system will assist with articulating principles for partnerships and putting them into practice.  Governments, including through ECOSOC and the High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development, will oversee accountability.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an ambitious action plan for people, planet, peace, prosperity and partnership.  I look forward to seeing the results of new, innovative partnerships that will help to transform our world for generations to come.

I wish you a productive meeting.