The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund provides USD $1,043,343 to strengthen UN thought leadership on sustainable development through the HLAB

Project narrative

In 2016, the Chinese Government pledged to contribute $200 million to the United Nations over a ten year period. The United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDF) was established to channel these earmarked funds to specific projects in coordination with the UN. The UNPDF is divided into two sub-funds: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund and The Secretary-General's Peace and Security Sub-Fund. Approved in 2020 by the UNPDF, USD $1,043,343 was allocated from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund to establish a second term for the High-Level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs (HLAB-II). Building on the work of the first HLAB, the project aims to strengthen the UN’s capacity to provide thought leadership and policy guidance on sustainable development. HLAB-II will support the Secretary-General in advancing a “common agenda” and addressing priority areas such as: leaving no country behind, reducing inequalities, strengthening digital cooperation, ensuring sustainable financing, and building effective partnerships. It also aims to deepen the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) connections with the global economic and social policy research community and increase the impact of its analyses and recommendations at all levels. The project is implemented by UNDESA in partnership with UN regional commissions, UNCTAD, other UN agencies, NGOs with expertise in the Sustainable Development Goals, and academic institutions. Its scheduled duration is from February 2021 to January 2025.