Regional Forum 2024

Overview

10:00hrs

until 13:00hrs

March 13

2024

Opening and High-level Policy Segment

Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the UNECE region in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions

OPENING

HIGH-LEVEL POLICY SEGMENT

High-level speakers engaged in a policy debate on accelerating SDG progress and delivering transformative solutions. The debate was informed by the UNECE Annual SDG Progress Report launched in early 2024. High-level government representatives had the opportunity to share policy actions that have been taken domestically. Other stakeholders joined the debate and reported back on their preparatory consultations.

Location: Palais des Nations, Room XIX

15:00hrs

until 18:00hrs

March 13

2024

Peer Learning Round Tables

SDG 1 No Poverty - Preparing social protection systems to respond to the poverty impacts of the climate crisis and green transitions

This round table allowed participants to learn from each other and share information on the best ways to address the growing poverty impacts of the climate crisis in the region as well as explore potential gains from green and digital transitions.

SDG 13 Climate Action - Solving the Rubik’s cube of the planetary crisis: lining up policy solutions for climate risks and biodiversity loss

The round table focused on the importance of strengthening preparedness to climate extremes through multi-hazard early warning systems, and on holistic policies that simultaneously address both the biodiversity and climate crises

SDG 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Accelerating policies, partnerships and innovation for just, peaceful and inclusive societies in the UNECE region

The round table aimed to identify and reinforce foundations of democratic and societal resilience, reflect on addressing tipping points that can further create fragile imbalances and conflict risks, and generated innovative ideas that can further propel the region towards peaceful, democratic, digitally equipped, and people-centred societies.

Location: Nations, Rooms XIX, XXI and XXVI

18:15hrs

until 21:00hrs

March 13

2024

Reception

For all participants jointly offered by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton and City of Geneva

Location: Palais des Nations, Bar Serpent

10:00hrs

until 13:00hrs

March 14

2024

Peer Learning Round Tables

SDG 2 Zero Hunger - Healthy and sustainable diets: enhancing the sustainability of food systems in the face of climate change impacts

Participants exchanged knowledge and experiences on the climate change impacts of and on food systems, and looked at key enabling conditions to make food systems more sustainable, efficient, and resilient.

SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals - Building Effective Partnerships for Digital Transformation

The session delved into crucial policy areas, such as infrastructure development, digital skills, and data governance, which are relevant to the development of the UN Global Digital Compact. It underscored the core role of partnerships across sectors in digital transformation, discussing future trends, challenges, and opportunities to enhance goal delivery.

Location: Palais des Nations, Rooms XIX & XXI

15:00hrs

until 18:00hrs

March 14

2024

Plenary Session and Closing

Advancing key transitions and cooperation towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the UNECE region

This session brought together diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, science and academia, local authorities, youth representatives and other civil society actors to share with member States their perspectives on SDG acceleration, centred around looking ahead to the Summit of the Future, taking place in New York in September 2024. 

MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PANEL

PLENARY DEBATE

CLOSING 

Location: Palais des Nations, Room XIX