HLPF and the Path to True Inclusion

During my time attending the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) at the United Nations, it was truly riveting to learn from those around me: ambassadors, country representatives, NGO delegates, civil society delegates, and more. I was captivated by the achievements, challenges, and cultures of many countries. Amidst the colorful garments, proudly displayed country pins, and multiple languages spoken simultaneously, it was exhilarating to witness our collective gathering. Together, HLPF participants recognized the shared imperative to achieve our 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Through my engagement in various side events, it became evident that the success of the SDG agenda relies now, more than ever, on recognizing our shared humanity, drawing on one’s strengths, and collaborating toward the common goals.  

Despite this incredible opportunity to convene and draw upon one another, I felt a profound sense that we missed the true potential of our interconnectedness and oneness at this year’s HLPF. Sitting through plenary meetings, I recognized repetitive themes and rehearsed three-minute scripts from delegates who often displayed a detachment and neutrality from their words. When subsequent representatives echoed the exact sentiments of the previous speaker, I could not help but reflect, both in the moment and post-meeting, on the significant loss of opportunity. A feeling of defeat began to set in: we had gathered to learn from each other, yet could the very processes and expected behaviors of the UN hold us back from genuine progress?

To illustrate this, I attended a side event, which focused on showcasing the potential of the African continent, home to 1.5 billion people, in advancing the objective of social development. As the topic personally interested me and related to my work as an intern, I was especially eager to participate in this side event. However, strolling into a room designed for 200-300 people, my excitement quickly transformed into confusion and eventually, heartbreak. Only ten attendees from the African continent were present; I was shocked by the lack of broader engagement and support from the international community. This experience stood in stark contrast to other side events I had attended over the past two weeks, where rooms overflowed with attendees, people stood along walls, and security had to turn some away due to safety hazards. Once again, a critically important conversation, one where we could have built upon each other’s capacities, shared lessons, and elevated voices that often go unheard, was overlooked. I chose to stay in that room, sitting up front, so that the panelists and speakers would feel seen, valued, and supported, as I was deeply invested in what they had to say. I began to reflect on how frequently the principles of justice, equality, and equity were invoked during HLPF as foundational to achieving the SDGs. Yet, in practice, when it came to applying those principles to countries whose voices are often minimized, the commitment seemed absent. In a space where capacity building could have been modeled and facilitated, it was instead disregarded. 

This experience revealed that unless oneness is embraced, we can only advance so far. The minimal participation at the side event highlighted a critical point: when we speak of inclusion, equity, and justice, we must truly mean everyone, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. Otherwise, the words ring hollow. It was disappointing to witness the gap between rhetoric and action—especially in a fora meant to champion sustainable and inclusive development. However, this moment also reignited a profound sense of purpose in me. It served as a powerful reminder of the work still needed to ensure that no voice is left behind, and that genuine unity in diversity is not just spoken about but actively pursued. It reaffirmed that transformation begins with showing up, listening deeply, and striving for change, even in the quietest of rooms.

A panelist presented a powerful call for a new narrative about Africa, emphasizing its role as an equal global player. The speaker urged us to stop fixating on Africa’s risks and instead invest in its promise. The need to shift how “sustainable development” is evaluated in the UN is crucial. Currently, the UN evaluates a country’s level of development through financial indicators, resulting in many African countries labeled as “undeveloped”, despite the wealth of insight that exists within the continent. Inspired by the Bahá’í teachings, I believe development must consider the social and spiritual interconnectedness of humanity. 

There were, however, glimpses of hope throughout HLPF. The approach/posture of some nations resonated deeply with me because their intentions appeared to align with their actions, leading to successful outcomes in some instances and valuable reflections on how to ameliorate setbacks in others. They truly embodied the understanding that progress is a continuous and collective effort, rooted in connection, dialogue, and humility to both teach and be taught. Their delegates authentically engaged in dialogue with the audience, presented statistics, spoke without a script, addressed the audience with their body language when presenting, and openly acknowledged their challenges while also highlighting their accomplishments. They captivated their audience, demonstrating a readiness to influence and encourage other nations to build with and learn from them. To me, it was evident that capacity building cannot and does not occur in isolation; it is reinforced through mutual learning and collaboration, where the strengths of one can inspire the progress of others. 

Overall, I am sincerely grateful for being given the opportunity to engage in HLPF. I leave it with a more nuanced understanding of the UN’s intention, action, and implementation, and am inspired to apply my learning to future aspirations. It was enlightening to recognize that in order for these SDGs to be achieved for everyone, we must work together to do so. The Bahá’í teachings remind us that material solutions alone cannot solve problems. The central ideas of equality, justice, unity, consultation, and capacity building must be woven into our institutions if we are to fulfill the promise of the SDGs by 2030. I look forward to potentially returning to this space to create (or even experience!) the changes I would love to see. 

Michaela Aka is an intern at the Bahá’í International Community United Nations Office in New York