Sustainable Development Goals Summit during UNGA 78 in September 2023 marked the half-way point of the SDGs and the beginning of a new phase of accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It is expected that the accelerated actions will secure the breakthroughs and momentum needed to change the course for achieving the SDGs agenda by 2030.

SDG Summit reaffirmed the need for global commitment to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UN Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres urged for national review by all member countries and all the organizations and stakeholders for speedy implementation of various measures to drive SDG transformation.

Dr. Sashikala Chandrasekar, Chair, SC Rural Health participated in the SDG Summit in the UN HQ and the Science Summit. There were many side-events in connection with the SDG and Science Summit. Sessions on Agroecology, Pesticides, Climate change, Universal Health Care, Generational and Gender equality, SDG Digital and Inclusive ecosystem were attended by many delegates and were informative and interesting.

An Agroecology Theme Day was held and the prospects for achieving equitable food systems through agroecology was discussed. Pesticide residues in the ecosystem and humans and the need for research and studies on this subject was emphasized.

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus interacted with the medical professionals and other government officials during the UNGA side event. Good governance and leadership are the need of the hour he said during the talk.

Innovation, digital transformation and technical advancement with equity and inclusion in all stages are imperative at this juncture for achieving – Health for All.