At the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024 in New York City, the CIVICUS New York Hub, represented by Mandeep Tiwana and Jesselina Rana, played a pivotal role in engaging with member states, UN officials, and civil society representatives from around the globe. Through active discussions and strategic interactions, CIVICUS underscored critical concerns that highlight ongoing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which further shaped our in-person engagements in New York.
A key focus of CIVICUS's advocacy was the impact of restricted civic space on SDG progress. Our research, as detailed in the CIVICUS Monitor, reveals that only two percent of the global population lives in environments where civic space is open and free. Of the 36 countries presenting Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) this year, only Austria, Palau, and Samoa are categorised as having open civic spaces.
Civic space is fundamental for allowing individuals to organise, mobilise, and voice their perspectives on political, social, and economic issues. In countries with restricted civic space, communities face significant barriers to advancing the SDGs. Activists who expose corruption, advocate for accountability, or defend marginalised groups often face severe threats.
For the SDGs to be realised, it is crucial to foster environments where civil society can operate freely and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes without fear of reprisals. This is why many civil society organisations, including CIVICUS, has also united under the Unmute Civil Society initiative, pushing for practical solutions to enhance international-level participation. The UN must lead by example, creating more space for civil society at the HLPF to ensure comprehensive and inclusive progress toward the SDGs.
The next big moment for the Sustainable Development Goals is scheduled for 18-19 September, at the second UN SDG Summit to be held in New York.
Read More
- [Article] 'HLPF 2024: Protecting Civic Space Critical for SDGs Success'
- [Article] 'Protecting civic space critical to SDGs success'
- [Campaign] '#SDG16Now Campaign'
