2025 Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its prospects for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda

In September 2015, during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, USA, the UN’s 2030 Agenda was launched — a global commitment signed by 193 member states. In this context, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 universal targets were established, with ambitious golas.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are: (1) no poverty; (2) zero hunger and sustainable agriculture; (3) good health and well-being; (4) quality education; (5) gender equality; (6) clean water and sanitation; (7) clean and affordable energy; (8) decent work and economic growth; (9) industry, innovation, and infrastructure; (10) reduced inequalities; (11) sustainable towns and cities; (12) responsible consumption and production; (13) measures to combat climate change; (14) aquatic life; (15) life on earth; (16) peace, justice, and effective institutions; (17) partnerships for the objectives and means of implementation.

On February 5, 2025, at the UN headquarters in New York, the UN 2030 Agenda was the subject of discussions at the 2025 Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the participation of the World Security Federation, represented by its President, Jerfferson Simões, and advisors Dr. Soraya Cardoso and Dr. Filipe Oliveira.

The event was attended by representatives from member states — including Brazil, represented on the occasion by Dr. José Gilberto Scandiucci Filho — UN members, institutions from the public and private sectors, including non-governmental organizations and international financial institutions.

At this point, it is worth noting that the event was a great opportunity for the Federation to directly present its ideas and to offer its collaboration in drafting ECOSOC’s studies and discussions on the topic, including with the Brazilian representative to the UN, Mr. José Gilberto Scandiucci Filho, and with Ms. Lotta Tähtinen, Director of the Office for Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, UN DESA.

The central theme of the event was: “Promoting sustainable, inclusive, science-based and evidence-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals of leaving no one behind.”

During the event, the need for reviewing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) became evident, especially concerning Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being); Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); Goal 14 (Aquatic Life); and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Objectives), as concrete proposals are required.

Throughout the event, the severe difficulties faced by various sectors, including the private security sector, in meeting the universal targets were presented.

On the other hand, there was a consensus among participants that the topic deserves broader discussion and study, with the aim of enhancing the relevance and importance of addressing the Agenda across all economic and social sectors through concrete and effective actions that enhance sustainable development, which cannot be limited to theory.

There was also agreement that, concerning all goals, greater use must be made of the potential offered by artificial intelligence (AI) within governance structures, guided by principles of equity, justice, and solidarity, including in the dissemination and orientation of the objectives to be achieved by all economic and social sectors.

By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among various stakeholders, AI can be leveraged as a powerful tool to address global challenges and build a more sustainable and inclusive future.

AI technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to accelerate progress toward the SDGs, enhancing efficiency, innovation, and decision-making. From security, health, and education to environmental conservation and poverty reduction, AI holds the promise of unlocking innovative solutions and transformative pathways for sustainable development.

However, realizing the full potential of AI for sustainable development requires careful consideration of its social, economic, and environmental implications.

Concerns such as data privacy and job displacement underscore the need for ethical and responsible AI governance frameworks that prioritize human rights, equity, and sustainability.

The widespread adoption of AI in sustainable development efforts could also exacerbate existing inequalities if not accompanied by appropriate safeguards and interventions.

There is a risk that AI technologies may amplify digital exclusion, as access to AI-driven tools and resources may be unevenly distributed among populations, regions, and countries.

In this scenario, it is unquestionable that the ongoing debate, directly and indirectly, affects the operations of the private security sector. Private security is constantly evolving. Technological advancements are in constant evolution.

Artificial intelligence is one of the main innovations in the sector. AI-equipped security cameras enable the identification of suspicious behavior and real-time alerts, reducing response time and increasing effectiveness in preventing incidents.

The use of drones for aerial patrols, high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, alarms — these are just a few examples of tools that are already realities in private security, but which, as emphasized at the 2025 Partnership Forum of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), require care and commitment from the sector, and must be adopted thoughtfully and securely.

Investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions and continuous training of personnel should be priorities for private security companies. Likewise, strict security protocols must be implemented to protect networks and sensitive data in order to prevent cyberattacks.

With the rapid advancement of technology, it is essential that security professionals stay up to date with the latest innovations and know how to use them effectively. This involves training in cybersecurity, data analysis, and the operation of advanced equipment, ensuring that teams are prepared to deal with contemporary challenges.

It is indisputable that, as automation and artificial intelligence take on traditional roles, security professionals must focus more on strategic and supervisory activities, ensuring that automated systems operate correctly and can manage complex situations that require human judgment.

Thus, the World Security Federation, as the international representative of the private security sector, reaffirms its commitment to the relentless pursuit of achieving the 2030 Agenda and counts on the support of Brazilian private security companies in order to promote values and conduct their business in an inclusive and sustainable manner.

Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of support from private security companies and representative organizations to the World Security Federation, since the Federation, on behalf of the entire sector, has sought to engage with international bodies, such as the UN, to discuss and promote growth strategies for the private security industry. 

e growth strategies for the private security industry.