Leveraging interlinkages for effective implementation of SDGs

Location Conference room 4, UN Plaza, New York

About The interlinked and indivisible nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires an in-depth discussion of the interconnections between the various goals and targets. There is a large body of analytical research and evidence supporting integrated policymaking, implementation and monitoring. Furthermore, the interlinked nature of the SDGs is seen in the supporting statistical evidence needed to highlight how and where sustainable development is achieved. Such approaches can have transformative impacts if they can adequately exploit synergies and minimise trade-offs. Recognising this potential, many countries have already set up cross-ministerial coordination mechanisms for the SDGs, as presented in their voluntary national reviews. This is will be the discussion in the first panel.

In the second panel, key experts from different data communities will highlight the importance of statistics and data to support Agenda 2030 and the much-needed statistical capacity development to strengthen national statistical systems.

Proposed guiding questions

• What needs to be done to ensure interlinkages among all SDGs are addressed when making policy decisions at all levels?
• What are the best policy instruments to identify synergies and minimise trade-offs?
• How can all branches of government, stakeholders and the international community be best engaged in ensuring interlinkages among all SDGs to advance Agenda 2030 implementation?

Chair:

• H.E. Mrs Marie Chatardova, Vice-President of the UN Economic and Social Council

Panel 1 (9:00–12:00)

Moderator:

• Ms Minh-Thu Pham, Executive Director of Policy, United Nations Foundation

Panellists:

• Ms Ebba Dohlman, Senior Adviser for Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development, OECD
• Mr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair, Southern Voices and Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue
• Mr Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS

Lead discussants:

• H.E. Mr Michael Gerber, Ambassador, Swiss Special Envoy for Global Sustainable Development
• Ms Irene Khan, Director-General, International Development Law Organization

Panel 2 (12:00–13:00)

Moderator:

• Mr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair, Southern Voices and Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue

Panellists:

• Mr Anil Arora, Chief Statistician of Canada, Statistics Canada
• Mr Babacar Beye, Chief Statistician of Senegal
• Ms Judith Randel, Co-founder and Strategic Advisor, Development Initiatives