HLPF 2021: The Road to Making Equal Recovery from COVID-19 a Reality for All

A sustainable recovery from COVID-19 depends on putting those left furthest behind first.

This side event to the 2021 High-level political forum (HLPF), co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations and the Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, and co-sponsored by the Centre for Reproductive Rights, examined how to make equal recovery from the pandemic a reality for all.

The speakers explored how traditionally marginalised populations have been affected by – and participated in – COVID-19 response efforts. They also assessed how national COVID-19 response policies have served to overcome, maintain or exacerbate inequalities, as well as what role the UN has in supporting such efforts.

The discussion considered overall policy approaches, specific structures and financing mechanisms in place for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, as well as for the implementation of SDG10 (Reduced inequalities).

The speakers also made direct links to SDG16 and SDG17 in looking at institutions, their role in identifying and reaching those furthest behind, while highlighting partnerships between various stakeholders at national and global levels for addressing the crisis and preparing for the ramping up of such efforts during the Decade of Action.

The event was live-streamed and recorded via Zoom and YouTube. Interpretation to International Sign was provided.

Opening remarks

Henrik Hammargren
Executive Director, Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation

H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
(Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of SDG10)

Speakers

Ulrika Modéer
Assistant Secretary-General and Director of Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, UNDP

Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere
Member of Parliament, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

Carmen Cecilia Martínez
Regional Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean Program, Center for Reproductive Rights

Asif Saleh
Executive Director, BRAC Bangladesh

Closing remarks

H.E. Ambassador Rabab Fatima
Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations
(Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of SDG10)

H.E. Ambassador Cho Hyun
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
(Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of SDG10)

Moderator

Micah Grzywnowicz
Programme Manager, Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation