The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), with the theme Strengthening integration, implementation and review – the HLPF after 2015 began its work today and will continue until 8 July.
As set out in the Integrated Programme speakers in the opening plenary included Martin Sajdik, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Rudolf Hundstorfer, Federal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, Austria and Thomas Gass, on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs. Representatives from Major Groups and other Stakeholders, Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul and President of UCLG; Frances Zainoeddin of the Gray Panthers NY; and Hirotaka Koike, Japan Youth Platform for Post-2015 also spoke. The keynote address on Shaping the world for 2030: From vision to transformative action was given by David Donoghue, Co-Facilitator of the negotiations on post-2015 development agenda. After the keynote address a panel session, in which Ambassador Donoghue also participated, was held. Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA was also a member of the panel.
Attached is the letter of transmittal and the draft ministerial declaration of the high-level segment of the HLPF.
The session can be watched on UN Web TV.