UN member states adopted by majority vote a ministerial declaration reaffirming the world body's commitment to the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which will remain the roadmap for achieving sustainable development and overcoming the multiple crises facing humanity.

The declaration came at the conclusion of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held Thursday evening after ten days of substantive discussions among member states, civil society representatives, and UN agencies.

The vote saw 154 countries in favor, two opposed (the United States and Israel), while Paraguay and Iran abstained.

In the ministerial declaration, member states warned that "time is running out" to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which remain "significantly off track." They particularly emphasized poverty's role in hindering sustainable development and exacerbating the climate crisis, identifying both as "among the greatest challenges facing the world."

Member states further stressed that "strong governance and partnerships are essential" to achieve peace as a prerequisite for development. The declaration also reaffirmed the UN's commitment to multilateralism, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the world body's founding.

Countries pledged urgent action toward the SDGs to "build a better world and leave no one behind." This follows a report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the forum's opening day, revealing only 18% of SDG targets are on track for 2030 completion, with over half progressing too slowly.

Held annually since 2010 under ECOSOC auspices, the HLPF reviews progress on the 17 SDGs adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for a more equitable and inclusive world. This year’s forum focused on five goals:

• Good Health and Well-being

• Gender Equality

• Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Life Below Water

• Partnerships for the Goals