News.Jul 06, 2021

SIWI at the 2021 High-Level Political Forum

Today marks the start of the 2021 High-Level Political Forum, or HLPF, the annual stocktaking on the state of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SIWI is engaged to promote the importance of water to the agenda as a whole.

This year’s HLPF, which is a fully digital event, will give special attention to the promotion of a “sustainable and resilient recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that promotes the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development”. Focus will be on SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).

While SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation is not one of the goals under review, SIWI is engaged to highlight the cross-cutting role of water throughout the 2030 Agenda. Already today, Tuesday 6 July 13.30 – 15.00 CEST, SIWI will be hosting a side-event together with the French Water Partnership and the Government of the Netherlands entitled “Valuing Water for a Sustainable and Resilient Recovery”, which will bring attention to the economic, social, environmental, and cultural values of water.

SIWI will also be participating in the SDG 6 Special Event, taking place Friday 9 July 14.00 – 15.30 CEST. The Special Event will bring attention to the urgent action needed to meet the targets of SDG 6, as well as showcase examples of initiatives that have the potential to accelerate the rate of progress towards a water-wise world. SIWI’s Executive Director Torgny Holmgren will be speaking during the event to present SIWI’s Accountability for Sustainability project as one such initiative.

Read more about SIWI’s activities and recommendations related to this year’s HLPF