Partnership Forum spotlights UN's catalytic role in multi-stakeholder engagement for 2030 Agenda

Addressing the Partnership Forum convened by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), senior United Nations officials today highlighted the Organization's critical role in facilitating the establishment of partnerships, which are necessary to implement the world's new development goals by 2030.

“To successfully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must swiftly move from commitments to action,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message delivered on his behalf by David Nabarro, Special Adviser on the 2030 Agenda. “And, to do that, we need strong, inclusive and integrated partnerships at all levels.”

The UN system will act as “a catalyst and facilitator, supporting initiation of efforts, including multi-stakeholder platforms, forums for accounting and review, and monitoring and impact measurement,” he said.

The theme of today's Forum is 'From commitments to results: Leveraging partnerships for the 2030 Agenda.' Since 2008, ECOSOC's Partnership Forum has brought together stakeholders, particularly from business and foundations, to discuss with governments ways in which to engage in support of the internationally agreed development goals.

With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships looms even larger. There is general consensus that partnerships will play a crucial role in promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which all countries aspire.

The UN chief said that 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 that regard, multi-stakeholder working is increasingly demonstrating its value, and Governments will have a critical role to play in their governance.

Breaking traditional silos

ECOSOC President Oh Joon also said that multi-stakeholder partnerships will be key for the implementation of 2030 Agenda.

Governments, UN, civil society, private sector, philanthropic community and academia “must break down traditional silos” for more and better cross-sectoral decision-making and solutions, he stressed, noting that partnerships must leverage the interlinkages between their goals and targets to enhance their effectiveness and impact.

ECOSOC is mandated to serve as the platform to review global partnerships. The body engages non-governmental actors in UN's work and coordinates the activities of the UN development system.

Since 2008, the Council has placed increased emphasis on ways to mobilize partnerships in support of the international development agenda. As such, it is uniquely situated to provide guidance on partnership initiatives or commitments to support the implementation of UN mandates, he said.

General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft also delivered a statement. A keynote address was given by Princess Haya Al Hussein, UN Messenger of Peace and Chairperson of International Humanitarian City.