Opening and welcoming remarks (10.30 – 10.50 AM)

Mr. Wu Hongbo, Under-­‐Secretary-­‐General for Economic and Social Affairs, and head of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-­‐DESA), welcomed the audience of over 500 participants to the first-­‐ever Partnership Exchange, organized on the occasion of the 2016 HLPF on Sustainable by UN-­‐DESA, in collaboration with the UN Office for Partnerships. Mr. Wu hoped that this year’s Partnership Exchange becomes  an  annual  feature  of  HLPF.  He  highlighted  that  the  different  actors  of  the  partnerships  on  the  ground are keeping the momentum on implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). He further indicated that during the first week of the High-­‐level Political Forum (11-­‐15 July 2016), multi-­‐stakeholder partnerships had been recognized as effective means of implementation and as critical drivers for the SDGs. Mr. Wu also encouraged participants to attend and engage with the 22 national voluntary reviews in the final three days of the ministerial segment of the HLPF.

Mr. Wu concluded by asking whether we have, with the 2030 Agenda, embarked on a too ambitious journey, and at the same time responded that “Yes, we have”, but as Nelson Mandela once said, Mr. Wu quoted, “It always seems impossible, until it’s done”.

The opening remarks were followed by a special video address by Dr. David Nabarro, Special Adviser to the SG?  on  2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development  and  Climate  Change.  Dr.  Nabarro  said  that  the  partnerships being profiled at the Partnership Exchange special event are shining examples from around the world and commended their representatives for playing a remarkable role in shifting the world and minds. To achieve the SDGs, we need to mobilise all partners, including NGOs, faith-­‐based groups and corporations, Mr. Nabarro asserted.

Ms.  Ann  de  la  Roche,  Officer-­‐in-­‐Charge  and  Chief  of  Operations,  United  Nations  Office  for  Partnerships,  facilitated this opening session. She introduced the audience to the event’s theme: “Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through multi-­‐stakeholder partnerships – ensuring that no one is left behind” that was presented through several panels and altogether 26 different partnerships.

Full text available in pdf on top right.