New York, Sept. 18—Lesotho has joined the global call for accelerated action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as the international community prepares for the 2027 SDG Summit.
Lesotho is represented at the high-level SDG Moment 2026 meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr Limpho Tau.
The SDG Moment 2026 is being held today in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York under the theme, “Together, We Can Get There”.
The meeting, convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres under General Assembly Resolution 74/4, seeks to showcase progress, highlight catalytic investments and address structural barriers such as debt distress and inequality, with fewer than five years remaining to the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs.Opening the session, Guterres said the SDGs represent a promise made by every government and are rooted in the aspirations of their people.
“The SDGs are a promise by every government brought by the aspirations of its people. A promise to save the planet for a better future, leaving no one behind,” he said.
He noted that since the adoption of the SDGs, progress had been made in fulfilling some of the ambitious commitments made to people around the world.
He cited gains in ending preventable child mortality, reducing millions of new HIV infections, expanding access to education, social protection, safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as increasing access to electricity and renewable energy.
However, Guterres said progress had also suffered profound setbacks, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which erased years of development gains while exposing deep vulnerabilities.
According to the 2026 SDG Progress Report, only 36 percent of targets for which data is available are on track or making moderate progress.
The theme of this year’s SDG Moment reflects both the urgency and optimism surrounding the 2030 Agenda, with the goals remaining achievable if the international community acts collectively, scales up proven solutions and accelerates implementation.
Member States are expected to highlight national efforts to advance the SDGs, share experiences in addressing interconnected global challenges, and identify the support and partnerships needed to accelerate progress.
The SDG Moment serves as a call for renewed multilateral commitment as the world prepares for the 2027 SDG Summit, which is expected to provide a decisive opportunity to accelerate efforts towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations
