Statement by Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development “UN@80: Catalyzing Change for Sustainable Development”
Statement by Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development “UN@80: Catalyzing Change for Sustainable Development” on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.
Mr. President,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we must recognize that we are not on track. The accelerating triple planetary crisis continues to reverse progress and deepen inequalities worldwide.
Conflicts remain the greatest threat to sustainable development. Russia’s war against Ukraine exemplifies this, causing widespread ecological and humanitarian damage. It contributed directly to global food insecurity, energy crisis and environmental degradation. The international community must stop aggressors and hold them accountable. Supporting Ukraine also supports global stability and development efforts.
Mr. President,
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate-related health risks, and rising mental health challenges have exposed the fragility of our health systems and deepened inequalities within and among countries. We must act urgently to strengthen universal health coverage, promote mental well-being, and integrate environmental health risks into national and global strategies. In this context, we emphasise the interlinkages between health and environmental pollution, and support the sound management of chemicals and waste.
We are strengthening digital health innovation and preventive services, with growing attention to mental health. Developing safer digital environments and better mental health indicators are essential to respond effectively to evolving challenges.
Mr. President,
Water connects all life, and human activities – even those far from coastlines – can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. Lithuania calls for concrete, context-specific actions, adequate financing, and stronger transboundary and international cooperation to address marine challenges, including chemical munitions dumped at sea.
Mr. President,
In light of our rapidly changing global environment, we reaffirm the urgent need for holistic and inclusive action across all three dimensions of the 2030 Agenda – environmental protection, economic development, and social inclusion. Strengthening multilateral cooperation and global partnerships remains crucial to advancing sustainable progress at local, national, and international levels.
Last year we adopted the Pact for the Future aiming to reinvigorate multilateralism and as such supporting and reinforcing the conditions and frameworks necessary for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Similarly, the UN80 reform process should help mobilize the UN system more effectively and eliminate inefficiencies, ensuring that the majority of resources are directed to impact on the ground.
With less than five years remaining to achieve the SDGs—and current progress still not sufficient—it is essential to mobilize all necessary means of implementation during the SDG Summit in September 2027. The outcomes of this Summit will be critical in guiding our actions during the final stretch toward 2030. Lithuania remains committed to this agenda and will present its third Voluntary National Review in 2028.
I thank you.
