Opening of the Forum and introductory remarks by H.E. Mr. Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, President of ECOSOC Opening statements:

- H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly
- Mr. Thomas Gass, Assistant General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs

10:35 – 10:40 Video message from Mr. Bill Gates, Co-Chair, Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation