JCoR SDG Lab at the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

The annual High Level Political Forum (HLPF) will take place from 14-23 July this year. It functions as the central United Nations platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each year, the forum focuses on a select few SDGs, and government leaders voluntarily report on their national progress toward achievement of these SDGs. The SDGs of focus this year are 3, 5, 8, 14, and 17.

In addition to reports from governments, the HLPF also includes events sponsored by civil society groups, to highlight their perspectives on implementation and progress toward the SDGs in their respective countries. JCoR joined the conversation by offering a series of virtual discussion, which we are calling the “JCoR SDG Lab.” This series will showcase Catholic Religious and their partners’ perspectives on progress and good practices towards sustainable development. It will be held from 28 July – 1 August and include sessions dedicated to each of the aforementioned SDGs of focus for the 2025 HLPF. 

Interpretation will be provided in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

Dates & Registration Links:

28 July 2025: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

  • Video recordings: English   español   português   français
  • Featured speakers & their presentation materials:
    • Maria Eugenia Vazquez, Scalabrinian Sister (Dominican Republic)
    • Cletus Uche, Claretian Missionary (Nigeria)
    • Rita Ezekwem & Julie Mokidi, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (Nigeria)
    • Neelam Kumar Tirkey, Claretian Missionary (Germany)
    • Babita Kumari, Medical Mission Sister (India)
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29 July 2025: SDG 5: Gender Equality 

  • Video recordings: English   español   português   français
  • Featured speakers & their presentation materials:
    • Ligia Molina Sevilla, Sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal (Guatemala)
    • Prasansha Caroline Rai, mission partner Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary-Loreto (India)
    • Regy Augustine, Medical Mission Sister (India)
    • Caridad Cala Montoya, Claretian mission partner (Dominican Republic)
    • Kristian Cangkung, Claretian Missionary (Indonesia)
    • Arnolda Kavanamur, Missionary Sister of the Holy Spirit / VIVAT International (Papua New Guinea)

30 July 2025: SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Video recordings: English   español   português   français
  • Featured speakers & their presentation materials:
    • Ida Colombo, Comboni Sister / VIVAT International (South Africa)
    • Norma Beatriz Melendez de Diaz, mission partner of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal (El Salvador)
    • Oscar Arnulfo Barrera Moreno, Claretian Missionary (El Salvador)
    • Yamileth Bolaños, Comboni Sister / VIVAT International (Ethiopia): omitted from recording
    • Nikolaus Ilan, Claretian Missionary (Indonesia)

31 July 2025: SDG 14: Healthy Aquatic Ecosystems

  • Video recordings: English   español   português   français
  • Featured speakers & their presentation materials:
    • Sahar Jaya, student intern of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (Afghanistan & USA)
    • Kathryn Yanik, mission partner (Director of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (from USA, speaking about Japan)
    • Barnabas Dudiegha, Claretian Missionary (Nigeria)

1 August 2025: SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Video recordings: English   español   português   français
  • Featured speakers & their presentation materials:
    • Steve Rocha, former Christian Brother and current mission partner of Edmund Rice International (India)
    • Souran Kumar Mishra, mission partner of Edmund Rice International (India)
    • Beth Blissman, Co-Member of the Loretto Community (from USA, speaking about a global project)