For information only - not an official document

UNIS/INF/548
9 September 2019

Action for people and the planet

UN High-Level Week, September 2019

VIENNA/NEW YORK, 9 September (UN Information Service) - This September, as the 74th session of the UN General Assembly opens, world leaders gather at UN Headquarters in New York to boost action on climate change and accelerate progress on sustainable development. They will engage in a series of summits and high-level meetings aimed at securing healthy, peaceful and prosperous lives for all through strong and enhanced international cooperation.

23 September 2019: Climate Action Summit

The impacts of climate change are accelerating, but with urgent action it is still possible to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, averting the most disastrous consequences, according to scientists. This Summit presents leaders from governments, the private sector and civil society with the opportunity to demonstrate the solutions they are pursuing to reduce emissions and build climate resilience and adaptation.

23 September 2019: High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage

The first-ever High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage will launch new efforts to provide access for all to affordable, inclusive and resilient health systems. The meeting will galvanize global commitments to ensure health for all.

24-25 September 2019: Sustainable Development Goals Summit

The SDG Summit will allow world leaders and others to demonstrate how they are taking action to transform our societies and economies, as we move towards the five-year anniversary of the Goals. Countries in 2015 unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development -- the most ambitious undertaking ever to transform our world to boost prosperity and ensure well-being for all while protecting the environment.

26 September 2019: High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development

Mobilizing sufficient financing remains a major challenge in realizing the 2030 Agenda, and investments that are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals remain underfunded. Trade-restrictive measures have also increased, and debt risks are rising, hampering the ability of many countries to invest in the Sustainable Development Goals. The High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development will bring together leaders from Government, business and the financial sector to help unlock the resources and partnerships needed and accelerate progress.

27 September 2019: High-Level Midterm Review of the SAMOA Pathway

Small island developing states are among the most vulnerable countries in the world. They face a unique set of problems relating to their small size, remoteness, narrow resource and export base, and exposure to external economic shocks and global environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. Five years after an ambitious agreement - the SAMOA Pathway -- to support sustainable development in small island developing states, the High-Level Review will discuss progress on combating the devastating impact of climate change, building economic and environmental resilience, and other challenges.

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The President of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly: Tijjani Muhammad-Bande

On 4 June 2019, the United Nations General Assembly elected the Permanent Representative of Nigeria Tijjani Muhammad-Bande to the United Nations as President of its upcoming 74th session.

Speaking on the year ahead Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said: "We will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations next year. This presents a unique opportunity for us to reduce the trust deficit between nations, as we all share the same aspirations and we have no choice but to work together. If we will achieve the visions of our founding fathers, we must ensure that indifference and cynicism do not creep into our organization."

Priorities of the President of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Peace and security: Promoting international peace and security, in particular, conflict prevention.

Climate change: Strengthening global action to tackle climate change, which is integral to the effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Human rights: Accentuating inclusion, human rights, and the empowerment of youth and women, respectively.

Sustainable Development Goals: Promoting partnerships for advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goals 1 (poverty eradication), 2 (zero hunger) and 4 (quality education).

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For further information please contact:

Anne Thomas
Information Officer, UNIS Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5588
Mobile: (+43) 699-1459-5588
Email: anne.thomas[at]unvienna.org