Funded by the Africa Youth Partnership for Climate Action, Hafiz Mohammed Musa, a dynamic member of the Ghana Youth Task Team, traveled to New York to attend the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) 2024. This partnership between YOTA and the Ford Foundation aims to empower African youth to hold leaders accountable and influence the global climate agenda. Hafiz’s participation in this prestigious event highlights the project’s commitment to giving young Africans a voice on the international stage.
The HLPF 2024 is the United Nations’ premier platform for reviewing commitments and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Now in its 12th year, this forum under the auspices of UN ECOSOC brought together UN Member States, civil society, the private sector, individual experts, academia, and multilateral cooperations to address critical challenges, harness progress through peer review, and mobilize resources for Agenda 2030.
The HLPF 2024 convened with a sense of urgency, addressing critical challenges that hinder progress toward the SDGs. The forum underscored the imperative role of youth, women, and climate action in driving transformative change. This article encapsulates the key outcomes with a focus on these pivotal areas, enriched by insights from various side events and expert sessions. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 exuded mixed feelings, highlighting regression in several SDGs, notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Hafiz Mohammed Musa at the HLFP 2024
Youth Engagement and Empowerment: The forum recognized the critical role of youth in sustainable development. Young people were not only participants but also key contributors to policy dialogues. Emphasis was placed on creating more inclusive platforms for youth engagement in decision-making processes at all levels. The establishment of youth advisory councils and increased representation in governmental and non-governmental bodies were advocated to ensure that youth perspectives shape policy outcomes effectively.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality: The forum acknowledged that gender equality is fundamental to achieving all SDGs. Despite progress in some areas, significant gender disparities remain. The forum called for robust measures to dismantle systemic barriers facing women, including gender-based violence, economic inequality, and lack of political representation. A side event hosted by the Women’s Major Group emphasized the need to restructure and redistribute unpaid care work within families, as recommended by the C20 Working Group. Despite progress in gender equality policies, further efforts are required to build on successes and replicate best practices globally.
Climate Action and Sustainability: The HLPF 2024 emphasized the urgent need for accelerated climate action to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement. The forum highlighted the importance of integrating climate policies with sustainable development strategies. It called for enhanced commitments from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. The role of youth in climate action was particularly emphasized. The forum encouraged the empowerment of young climate activists and the inclusion of youth in climate policy-making. Educational programs on climate change and sustainability were promoted to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to drive climate action.
The launch of the Africa Sustainable Development Report (ASDR) 2024 at the African Union Mission to the United Nations focused on accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063. Recommendations included better coordination, internal revenue mobilization, and accountability to achieve sustainable development goals, highlighting the example of Benin in its domestic revenue mobilization strategies.
Hafiz Mohammed Musa’s participation at the HLPF 2024 represents a significant step in empowering African youth to play a vital role in global climate action and sustainable development. His involvement highlights the essential contributions of young people in shaping policies and driving change for a sustainable future.
