#1 Explore the issues that are on everyone’s mind
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Forum (10-18 March 2021) offers a space to reflect on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can guide us to recover better. The spectrum of topics covered at the virtual multi-stakeholder forum is broad: how can we scale up urgently needed climate action in times of crisis? What policies have proven effective to promote health and social protection, while co-existing with the virus? In solution-oriented dialogues, a broad range of topics will be explored, all closely linked to the nine SDGs under review. The Regional Forum will provide an opportunity to regain focus on effective policy actions, learn from peers and explore topics beyond one’s field of expertise.
#2 Engage with experts and global leaders
During 3 plenary sessions (17-18 March), 12 peer learning round tables (starting 10 March), more than 25 side events and pre-meetings, participants will be able to actively engage with thought leaders from across the region and across sectors. High-level speakers include Deputy UN Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, ECOSOC President Munir Akram, UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova, UNOG Director-General Tatiana Valovaya, and many more, who will be sharing their insights on sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forum will be co-chaired by Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Francisco André, and Romania’s State Counsellor to the Prime Minister, László Borbély.
#3 Be part of a multi-stakeholder meeting with more than 1,000 changemakers
While policy makers are in the focus of the Regional Forum, recovery efforts go beyond governments. With high ambitions to facilitate a multi-stakeholder exchange, the Regional Forum brings together more than 1,000 key stakeholders from across the UNECE region. For the first time this year, dedicated meetings gather SDG advocates from the private sector, parliaments, and local governments. Civil society – including youth – will make their constructive criticism heard and bring momentum and energy to the discussions.
#4 You can tune in from anywhere – join the most accessible Regional Forum ever
At this year’s Regional Forum, we open the conference doors for everyone: the plenary sessions will be broadcasted live on UN Web TV and most peer learning round tables will be livestreamed on YouTube. No matter where you are, you can tune in and follow the future-oriented exchanges. The plenary sessions will include real-time captioning and international sign language interpretation, increasing accessibility of the Regional Forum for everyone.
#5 Have an impact and step up action on the SDGs
The Regional Forum will not just end on 18 March. Formally speaking, what happens at the Regional Forum will have an impact on the discussions in New York: the Co-chair’s summary of the Regional Forum will be submitted to the High-level Political Forum, taking place in New York from 6-15 July 2021, as official contribution from the UNECE region. And crucially, the solution-oriented exchanges aim to help policy makers and a wide range of stakeholders to accelerate progress in reaching the SDGs right across the region, planting fresh ideas and spur everyone’s action for the SDGs.
Join us for 7 days of action for the Sustainable Development Goals and take part in the conversation on social media #RFSD2021.
Learn more: https://regionalforum.unece.org/