World leaders from across the globe recently gathered at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, a crucial milestone in the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda. Held on September 18-19, the Summit served as a reminder of the shared commitment to the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the heart of this event was the Global People’s Assembly, that brought together over 2000 activists, both physically and virtually, representing diverse parts of the world. Among the influential voices was Ms. Biljana Spasovska, BCSDN Executive Director, who delivered a compelling address at the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) session. In her speech, Ms. Spasovska discussed the pressing civic space challenges in our region and highlighted the critical need for an inclusive approach in addressing the challenges faced by civil society, both on a local and international level.
BCSDN’s active participation did not end there. As a CPDE co-chair, Biljana played a pivotal role in CPDE sessions contributing toward strategic partnership of the partnership and future development of the overall development effectiveness. These sessions explored crucial civil society topics, where BCSDN’s contributions reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts and the exchange of ideas in achieving global objectives.
Convened by the President of the General Assembly, the SDG Summit 2023 marks the halfway point to the deadline set for achieving the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda is a global plan of action to drive economic prosperity and social well-being while protecting the environment. CPDE’s active involvement in events like the SDG Action Weekend and the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development underscored the organization’s commitment to affordable international financing for sustainable development.
Amidst these discussions, CPDE issued a statement, challenging the status quo and urging UN-member states to deliver on their effectiveness commitments. The statement emphasized the urgent need for concrete actions, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, climate crisis, wars, and conflicts. CPDE stressed the importance of principles such as democratic ownership, inclusive partnerships, and transparency and accountability as guiding lights in steering the global community towards a more equitable future.
The culmination of these discussions and efforts was reflected in the joint Declaration of the Global People’s Assembly. This declaration embodied the collective aspirations and demands of thousands of activists worldwide. It highlighted the need to leave no one behind, eradicate poverty, address the inequalities brought by the pandemic, combat climate change, and promote global justice.