The High-Level Political Forum 2024
The High-Level Political Forum was a highlight of the summer. The Dominican Leadership Conference welcomed Sr. Sarudzai Mutero, OP from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zimbabwe and Fr. Emmanuel Mulu, OP of Kenya with us for two weeks.
Together we had the opportunity to meet members of the Justice Coalition of Religious (JCOR) here at the UN. It was my first time hosting a Friar and Sister at the UN. The forum focused on the following SDG’s;
1) Poverty 2) Zero Hunger 13) Climate Action, 16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and 17) on Partnerships for the Goals.
Fr. Mulu, OP and Sr. Sarudzai, OP shared their country’s response to the SDGs. They were among the 36 countries who participated in their national voluntary review of the SDGs.
It was important that we had religious from these countries to hear directly from them on the accuracy of the report from their countries. They each gave a critique of their country. Sr. Sarudzai and a companion from Zimbabwe reviewed the country statement. Sr. Sarudzai worked with others in Zimbabwe before coming to the HLPF to be prepare a counter report from their data and research. After their presentation at the UN their country minister asked to meet them and explain how they came to their conclusions. It was slightly intimidating but they were able to give accurate and an informative review to their country representative.
The opportunity to be present for the African Union 2024 Sustainable Development Report was significant. It was a substantial report and a sign of hope. The African panelists were amazingly honest about their progress and where they needed to go next. They identified corruption and poverty as two factors that are “killing” their countries. They look for a better and more fair Financial Investment by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. All in all it was a great two hour presentation and we were thrilled to witness and engage in conversation with these incredible country representatives.
At the end of the HLPF there is a declaration or summary of the ten days. At the last minute there was dispute over a particular paragraph, However, they were able to come to an acceptable conclusion. One of the important outcomes was the need to return to a people-centered vision of the UN’s mission, from which governments derive a courageous new mandate to challenge—with and on behalf of their constituencies—the interests that come between them and the future.
Sr. Durstyne Farnan, OP – UN Representative
