Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Chair,
I would like to start by reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. We view the SDGs an interlinked and indivisible with no one goal more important than the other. However, given the specific SDGs under review at this year’s HLPF we will turn briefly to each in turn.
On SDG 3 - good health and wellbeing - New Zealand is committed to advancing equitable access to essential health services to build inclusive, resilient, and thriving communities. Domestically, we are focused on primary health care access, reducing wait times and strengthening the health workforce and health infrastructure. Internationally, New Zealand works alongside partners in the Pacific to address key health challenges including non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and health workforce development.
On SDG 5 – gender equality - New Zealand remains steadfast in its commitment to gender equality, both at home and abroad. Internationally, we partner to promote women’s political leadership, end gender-based violence, and strengthen women’s economic empowerment. Achieving SDG 5 is essential— gender equality must be at the heart of progress across all Sustainable Development Goals to build more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
On SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth - New Zealand’s domestic Growing for Growth policy seeks to raise living standards, create higher-paying jobs, and deliver infrastructure and public services. Our international development cooperation invests in education, scholarships, and training that facilitates employment opportunities.
On SDG 14 - Life Below Water - New Zealand views ocean stewardship and governance as a core responsibility, with UNCLOS providing the legal framework. Since 2022, New Zealand has committed over NZ$210 million to sustainable fisheries and ocean support in the Pacific. In international fora, we advocate for an ambitious and effective plastic pollution treaty and elimination of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing and harmful fisheries subsidies.
On SDG 17 – Partnering for the Goals - New Zealand partners to achieve the SDGs globally, with a particular focus on the Small Island Developing States in our region, the Pacific. We commend the recent adoption of the Compromiso de Sevilla and we are committed to strengthening development financing across its broad agenda. New Zealand will continue our partner-led approach to development assistance, including direct budget support and a development-friendly trade policy.
New Zealand recognizes that this is undoubtedly a challenging moment for multilateral cooperation, and that funding cuts in the UN development system will have real-world impacts. We also note that there are features of the multilateral system that are ripe for reform – notably fragmentation and overlapping mandates, which have grown as a problem over the past decade. We welcome the UN Secretary General’s UN80 initiative and believe that member states must seize this opportunity to effectively tackle some of these issues through the upcoming reform processes.
I thank you Chair.