Regional Forum 2025

Overview

10:00hrs

until 13:00hrs

April 02

2025

Opening and High-level Policy Segment

Opening Remarks

 • Mr. Umid Abidkhadjaev, Co-Chair of the Regional Forum and Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Uzbekistan

 • H.E. Ambassador Ioannis Ghikas, Co-Chair of the Regional Forum and Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations in Geneva 

• H.E. Ambassador Bob Rae, President of the Economic and Social Council and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York 

• Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (video message) 

• Ms. Tatiana Molcean, UNECE Executive Secretary 

• Ms. Ivana Živković, UNDP Regional Director for Europe and the CIS and Vice-Chair of the UN Regional Collaborative Platform for Europe and Central Asia

The opening remarks will be followed by a high-level policy debate. 

The discussion will take stock of recent progress, experiences and challenges in policy implementation and future plans of member States, with particular emphasis on the SDGs under in-depth review. 

Keynote speaker: Mr. Owen Gaffney, Chief Impact Officer, Nobel Prize Outreach and Co-Lead, Earth4All initiative 

Introduction of the key findings of the 2025 UNECE SDG Progress Report: Mr. Andres Vikat, Chief, Social and Demographic Statistics Section, UNECE Statistical Division.

High-level representatives, intervening in protocol order, and delegations will have the opportunity to deliver national statements. The segment will also feature reporting back from preparatory consultations by parliamentarians, civil society and youth and, time permitting, interventions by other stakeholder groups and organizations.

Location: Building E Room XIX, Palais des Nations

15:00hrs

until 18:00hrs

April 02

2025

Peer Learning Round Tables

Parallel, interactive and moderated peer learning round tables will focus on the SDGs under review, showcasing best practices, policy insights, challenges, and collaborative solutions.

SDG 5 GENDER EQUALITY (Room V) 

The Time is Now: Inclusive, Evidence-based and Transformative Solutions for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

This roundtable will explore innovative, inclusive, transformative and actionable solutions and practices that could accelerate progress toward SDG 5 while also generating synergies and addressing interrelations across the various SDGs goals and targets. 

Focus areas will include the availability and use of gender data for policy-making and implementation, and the intersection of population dynamics and gender – particularly concerning care ecosystems and social protection, and health.

 

SDG 8 DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH (Room XIX)

Just Digital and Green Transitions to Leave No-One Behind

The UNECE region is undergoing three major structural transformations—the green transition, digitalization, and demographic shifts - which are reshaping labour markets, economic structures, and social protections. These transitions present opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth but also pose challenges for ensuring decent work, social protection, labour rights and equitable economic participation. 

This peer learning session will explore policy responses, national case studies, and innovative approaches to supporting just green and digital transitions, while ensuring economic inclusion, social protection, and lifelong learning opportunities for all workers. The discussion at this round table in particular will inform the preparations of the Second World Summit for Social Development.

 

SDG 14 LIFE BELOW WATER (Room VII)

From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Management under SDG 14

The round table on SDG 14 will address key challenges and opportunities for the sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems in the UNECE region. The proposed topics include marine pollution prevention, sustainable fisheries management, climate resilience, blue economy development, regional collaboration, and ocean literacy. These issues are critical as European basins, like the global ocean itself, face mounting pressures from pollution, habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, and climate change. By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, enhancing marine monitoring, and leveraging innovative technologies, the round table will share knowledge and best practices to accelerate progress on SDG 14, promoting effective governance and resilient marine ecosystems that sustain both biodiversity and coastal communities.

 

Location: Palais des Nations

18:15hrs

until 20:00hrs

April 02

2025

Reception for all participants

Jointly offered by the Swiss Confederation and the Canton and City of Geneva.

Location: Palais des Nations, Bar Serpent

10:00hrs

until 13:00hrs

April 03

2025

Peer Learning Round Tables (continued)

 

Continuation of parallel, interactive and moderated peer learning round tables, with a focus on peer exchange and actionable take-aways.

 

SDG 3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (Room V)

Building Health Systems for the Future: Inclusive, Resilient, and Multisectoral Solutions for Achieving SDG 3 in the UNECE Region

Health systems in the UNECE region are at a critical juncture. The long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of non-communicable diseases, mental health crises, climate change, conflicts and humanitarian emergencies are reshaping the health landscape. Meanwhile, population ageing is reshaping health needs. These global megatrends are deepening inequalities and straining health systems. 

This round table will explore innovative policy actions and best practices to ensure that all populations are able to access quality health services. This session will also explore how sectors outside of health can contribute to achieving SDG 3, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral solutions in building resilient, equitable health systems.

 

SDG 17  PARTNERSHIPS  FOR THE GOALS (Room VII)

Closing the Gap - Regional Priorities for More Diversified and Resilient Financing for Sustainable Development 
 

The round table will address the considerable gap between current investment levels and the financial needs required to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the UNECE region. 

Substantial financing by both public and private sectors needs to be mobilized to bridge this gap, with public mechanisms frequently paving the way for the flow of private resources. 

Topics for discussion will include more coherence in public policies and the efficient use of public resources in times of competing political and budgetary priorities; coordination between the public and private sectors; regulatory and policy measures to help align financial flows with the SDGs; frameworks and incentives to encourage private sector engagement; climate and transition finance; financing for social development, including financing for gender equality; greater availability of innovative and sustainability-oriented financial products; and sustainable insurance products. The outcome of this regional discussion will inform preparations for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

Location: Palais des Nations

15:00hrs

until 18:00hrs

April 03

2025

Plenary Session and Closing

PLENARY SESSION

The plenary session will take on a forward-looking and integrated perspective, taking into account the key messages from the peer learning round tables that will be introduced at the outset.

The session will include a moderated multi-stakeholder panel discussion, reflecting the views of governments, international organizations, businesses, civil society, youth and academia on pathways to economic and social inclusion, sustainable growth, employment, innovation, and sustainable finance. 

Regional perspectives on recent and upcoming intergovernmental summits such as the Summit of the Future and the implementation of the Pact for the Future, the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and the 2nd World Summit for Social Development will be taken into account. 

The panel discussion will be followed by comments and interventions from the floor.

 

CLOSING

• Mr. Dmitry Mariyasin, UNECE Deputy Executive Secretary 

• Co-Chairs of the Regional Forum:

Mr. Umid Abidkhadjaev, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Uzbekistan 

H.E. Ambassador Ioannis Ghikas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations in Geneva

Location: Building E Room XIX, Palais des Nations