UN ECOSOC President

I delivered today an opening statement at the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests, emphasizing that forests are home to most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity, and they remain among our most effective natural allies in addressing climate change. In my remarks, I highlighted how sustainably managed forests support livelihoods, protect watersheds, preserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute directly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Drawing from Nepal’s own experience with community forest management, I stressed that “when forests thrive, communities prosper, biodiversity rebounds, and the climate breathes easier.” At a time of growing climate and development challenges, we must strengthen implementation, align policies and investments, and support countries most vulnerable to deforestation and climate impacts. As I noted, “sustainable forest management is not only an environmental agenda - it is a development imperative, a climate necessity, and a moral responsibility.” 🔗 bit.ly/48PuBd4 #UNFF21 #UNForests #GlobalForestsGoals #ClimateAction

On the 80th Anniversary of @UN's Economic and Social Council @cgtn's @elainereyestv sat down with @UNECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa to discuss his priorities under the theme "Delivering Better" and the SDG Progress Report. youtube.com/watch?v=KU5UoD… Via @Youtube #UnitedNations #UN #ECOSOC #Sustainability #SDGS  #Features #UNInsider #Youth #Technology

The #STIForum concluded with a strong call for inclusive, accessible and action-oriented innovation to accelerate progress towards the #SDGs, while ensuring that the benefits of science, technology and innovation are shared more equitably and reach those who need them most. It emphasized the importance of addressing the constraints that limit scale, and the critical role of partnerships in delivering solutions on the ground. In my closing remarks, I underscored the need to bridge every digital, innovation, and capacity divide and ensure that no one - no community, no country, no young person, girls and women - is left behind. #STI #Tech4SDGs #GlobalGoals 🔗 bit.ly/4uyYk2b

I participated today at the side event on “Engineering a Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment and Infrastructure during and through the Technology Revolution” at the #STIForum, where I stressed that sustainability and resilience “are no longer optional - they are essential.” I underscored that closing the infrastructure gap “is not only about financing, it is about designing, building, and managing infrastructure differently.” I also highlighted the transformative role of science, technology and innovation in creating infrastructure systems that are “not only more efficient, but also more resilient and sustainable.” #STI #Tech4SDGs #SDGs #GlobalGoals

Today, I delivered my opening statement at the opening of the #STIForum. I stressed that over the past decade, this Forum has brought together governments, scientists, innovators, and communities - connecting ideas to action and helping solutions travel further. We need to transform today’s ideas into tomorrow’s impact and ensure technology uplifts rather than divides - shaping a sustainable future for all. #STI #Tech4SDGs #SDGs #GlobalGoals 🔗 bit.ly/42eyTqC

I delivered today an opening statement at the 2026 #AI for Good Lab. I stressed that “Artificial intelligence is already transforming how governments operate, how policies are designed, and how services are delivered.” I emphasized that “AI is a development issue. Its value will not be measured by innovation alone, but by its impact on people’s lives.” We must ensure AI supports “inclusive and sustainable development” and “serves all countries and deliver real results for people everywhere.” #AIforGood #STIForum 🔗 bit.ly/4n8p9Ys

Co-convened a Joint Special Meeting of United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations General Assembly under the theme “From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development.” We discussed rising inequalities, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change risk widening global divides. With 2.7B still offline and growing AI gaps, we must shift from access to empowerment- advancing digital inclusion, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and enabling youth to drive inclusive and resilient economies. @UN_PGA #STI #GlobalGoals #SDGs 🔗bit.ly/4ndr91B

LIVE - Joint Special Meeting of @UN_PGA and @UNECOSOC “From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development”. The meeting focuses on advancing #STI for development, with particular attention to addressing the needs of developing countries. #GlobalGoals #SDGs Live webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1i/k…

I am pleased to convene, with the @UN_PGA, a Joint Special Meeting “From Digital Inclusion to Innovation: Advancing Science, Technology and Youth Entrepreneurship for Development” on 5 May 2026. The meeting will focus on science, technology and innovation for development. It will promote multi-stakeholder partnerships while amplifying youth voices as drivers of sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. 🔗 bit.ly/digital-to-inn…

Pleased to meet H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in Addis Ababa. - @DCP_Haddadi @_AfricanUnion We discussed accelerating implementation of the #2030Agenda and #Agenda2063 amid widening financing gaps, rising debt pressures and declining ODA, and the importance of coordinated action to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, infrastructure and productive capacity across #Africa. We also exchanged on advancing youth empowerment, digital inclusion and climate action, and reinforcing regional-global linkages through ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2026.

Pleased to meet Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda and Chair of ARFSD-11, and H.E. Mr. Fabrice David, Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries of Mauritius and incoming Chair of ARFSD-12, in Addis Ababa during the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. We discussed Africa’s priorities for the #2030Agenda and #Agenda2063, the role of regional forums in shaping the 2026 HLPF, and the need to accelerate SDG implementation through stronger financing, youth empowerment, climate action and coordinated multilateral support. #GlobalGoals #SDGs

Pleased to meet Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach (@AnacludiaRossb1), Executive Director of @UNHABITAT, in Addis Ababa during the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, and welcomed UN-Habitat’s strong engagement with ECOSOC, including its contributions to the in-depth review of SDG 11 and preparations for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2026. We discussed sustainable urbanization, the localization of the SDGs, support to VNRs and Voluntary Local Reviews, and the importance of strengthening the role of cities and local governments in accelerating implementation of the #2030Agenda, including through the World Urban Forum and the New Urban Agenda review. #WUF13

Nine months after the Sevilla Commitment, at the ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up, we presented the 2026 report, marking the first system-wide assessment of implementation across the UN, IFIs and partners. Of the 280 actions under the Sevilla Commitment, 115 are already underway through the Sevilla Platform, with many initiatives reporting tangible implementation progress. The task now is to build on this momentum, deepen cooperation and ensure these commitments continue to translate into real results for people and development.

key highlights included strengthening collaboration between ECA/AU via the joint Framework on #Development, #Peace & Security and #HumanRights, as well as addressing resources constraints and youth unemployment.

.@UNECOSOC President H.E. Lok Bahadur Thapa and PR of Nepal paid a courtesy visit to ES @claverGatete to discuss Africa’s strategic journey to Sustainable Development.

📢 NGOs worldwide - Deadline: 1 June 2026 Apply for #ECOSOC Consultative Status for the 2027 cycle. ecosoc.un.org/en/ngo/news/20… #NGOs #UN

Today, I delivered an opening statement at the Twelfth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I stressed that #Africa is at a critical juncture in the implementation of the #2030Agenda and #Agenda2063, facing increased conflict, climate-related disasters, economic instability, and growing inequalities. I emphasized that sustainable development cannot advance without fair and equitable financing, and that Africa’s immense potential depends on investment in jobs, infrastructure, skills, and youth empowerment, alongside stronger multilateral cooperation and coordinated action to turn the tide. 🔗 tinyurl.com/c44zfddb