Professor Tak On Chan (Kelvin) Represents Canada at HLPF 2025: our Global Voice for the SDGs

From 14 to 24 July 2025, we proudly participated in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2025) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. For the second consecutive year, while we were honoured in 2024 as a globally recognized SDG organization, 2025, marked another significant milestone, with our Director General, Professor Tak On Chan (Kelvin), participating as an official delegate representing Canada.

Delegates gather in the United Nations headquarters' meeting hall for the HLPF 2025 in New York, engaging in discussions on sustainable development goals.

A Voice from Canada on the World Stage

At the heart of our participation was a powerful message delivered by Professor Chan. Representing both Canada and the organization’s global mission, Professor Chan spoke to the international community with humility and purpose:

“We started to promote the SDGs and educate the public since day one — back in September 2015. One simple action anyone can take is to learn and talk about the SDGs. Small actions grow into big changes.”

Our Director-General at the UN General Assembly Meeting Room, presenting a poised presence in the heart of global diplomacy.

Reflecting on our history, he shared milestones including the first SDG Guinness World Record in 2016, the UN General Assembly in 2024, and our unique global role in launching and implementing the SDGs Assessment Programme and Endorsed Partner Programme — including recent collaboration with UAE government entities, helping them meet relevant SDG indicators.

But his core message centered on Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals:

Our Director-General poses with Team Canada in front of the UN headquarters, showcasing a diverse group representing collaboration and international cooperation.

“One SDG issue I think everyone should care about is Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. No one can solve the world’s problems alone. When we work together — across borders, sectors, and communities — we can make real progress. Teamwork creates hope. And leaves no one behind.”

What Is HLPF?

The HLPF, convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the UN’s central platform for reviewing global progress on the 2030 Agenda. This year’s forum focused on five key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The 2025 theme— “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs, leaving no one behind”—emphasized urgent collective action rooted in data, innovation, and equity.