SDG Action Zone - Bringing the UN to the world and the world to the UN

Since its first edition in 2019, the SDG Action Zone has become an annual feature of the High-level Week of the UN General Assembly, as the collaborative space dedicated to accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Powered by the UN SDG Strategy Hub, the SDG Action Zone is an opportunity for a renewed dimension of multilateral collaboration. 

With the fierce urgency of the now, we have no choice but to all step up to the most ambitious of global agendas.

During the UN General Assembly, the SDG Action Zone brings together the highest levels of UN leadership, activists, government officials, business leaders, changemakers and disruptors in a collaborative space to highlight the ecosystem-wide solutions, plans, and investments needed to positively impact people’s lives and the future of our planet.

By amplifying voices, convening thought leaders, connecting changemakers, and calling on all participants to leverage their own sphere of influence, the SDG Action Zone provides everyone with the opportunity to cultivate the community and momentum needed to transform this moment of global upheaval into one of movement-building for people and for the planet.

The three-day program features:
•    Big picture plenaries
•    Authentic conversations
•    Lightning talks
•    Panel discussions
•    Creative performances 
•    Interactive Q&A

Everyone, everywhere is encouraged to join and participate. 

Women Rise for All

“LIKE NO OTHER TIME IN RECENT HISTORY, WOMEN ARE ON THE FRONTLINES OF COVID-19. IT IS TIME FOR US TO RISE AS WOMEN LEADERS TAKING ACTION TO CONQUER THE PANDEMIC AND COME OUT STRONGER.” - Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General

The COVID-19 crisis shined a spotlight on the need for collaboration among all sectors and the importance of strategic leadership. On 27 April 2020, the Deputy Secretary-General, supported by the UN Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships), launched the “Women Rise for All” initiative. The initiative  recognizes women as drivers for an inclusive and resilient recovery beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and into the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Deputy Secretary-General engaged world leaders who advocate for gender equality such as the President of Ethiopia, the President of Switzerland, the Prime Minister of Denmark, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Prime Minister of Norway, SDG Advocates Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Graça Machel, philanthropist Melinda Gates and other stakeholders, including Episcopalian Minister Betsee Parker and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo.

The most recent Women Rise for All activation took place in November 2021 during the Fourth Annual Reykjavik Global Forum.  The Forum, opened by the Deputy Secretary-General,  brought together global women leaders from different sectors to share best practices and solutions on issues such as climate, economic progress, smart investments and innovative corporate leadership. In June 2021, the Deputy Secretary-General also highlighted Women Rise for All at the Women Political Leaders Summit. 

In March 2021, UN Partnerships convened the event “Financing a Future for Women” to discuss how women’s involvement in the economy has brought positive development outcomes for everyone. This event was part of the Target Gender Equality hosted by the UN Global Compact. 

Since its launch, Women Rise for All has engaged a growing community of prominent women to join global advocacy and scientific initiatives, such as the UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery.

Related links
Women Rise for All highlights 
Women Rise for All during the High-Level Political Forum
Women Rise for All at the 2020 SDG Action Zone

Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

“WE HAVE SEEN YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE FRONT LINES OF CLIMATE ACTION, SHOWING US WHAT BOLD LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE.” - António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Young people are a driving force of change. Their creativity, innovation and ambition can help to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackle current issues, including the climate emergency.

The UN Youth Advisory Group was organized by the UN Secretary-General in July 2020 with the support of the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships) and Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth. The seven members help the Secretary-General amplify youth voices and engage young people in an open and transparent dialogue as the UN gears up to raise ambition and accelerate action to combat climate change.

The Group brings the voices of young people into high-level decision making and advises the Secretary-General on the implementation of his 2020-21 Climate Change Strategy.

The members of the Youth Advisory Group are: 

NISREEN ELSAIM 
Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan) is a climate activist and junior negotiator at intergovernmental climate change platforms with experience across a range of environmental topics. She was part of the social movement that brought about democratic change in Sudan. 

ERNEST GIBSON 
Ernest Gibson (Fiji) was the co-coordinator for 350 Fiji, a regional youth-led climate change network, driven by young climate leaders. He advocates for non-extractive partnerships with indigenous communities to utilize their local traditional knowledge and practices to protect the planet.

VLADISLAV KAIM 
Vladislav Kaim (Moldova) is a young economist committed to ensuring green and decent jobs for youth; he brings deep expertise in international trade and migration. 

SOPHIA KIANNI 
Sophia Kianni (United States) has helped organize nationwide strikes and is the founder of Climate Cardinals, an international nonprofit working to translate climate information into over 100 languages.  

NATHAN METENIER 
Nathan Metenier (France) is the founder and coordinator of Generation Climate Europe and spokesperson for Youth and Environment Europe. 

PALOMA COSTA 
Paloma Costa (Brazil) is a lawyer and human rights defender who has coordinated the youth delegations to several climate conferences. 

ARCHANA SORENG 
Archana Soreng (India) is experienced in advocacy and research, and she is working to document, preserve and promote traditional knowledge and cultural practices of indigenous communities.