NAIROBI, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015(CISA)- The achievement of sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) by 2030 hinges on strategic partnerships, robust policy frameworks and renewed political commitment, UN officials said September 17.
UN Resident Coordinator Nardos Bekele-Thomas said that attainment of the new and ambitious development targets is possible if governments rally private sector, foundations and citizens to support them.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are about people, planet and prosperity. It calls for involvement of every stakeholder to realize key targets outlined in the new global development framework,” Bekele-Thomas said.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel during a media briefing on Sustainable Development Goals, Bekele-Thomas said adoption of SDGs will revitalize the global development agenda.
United Nations member states will converge in New York from September 25 -27 to discuss and adopt the 17 goals.
The successor to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by the UN in 2000, the SDGs cover a wide range of issues like poverty, inequality, climate change, clean energy and livable cities.
“The MDGs had mixed results; there was success in poverty reduction, school enrollment and gender equality. We expect SDGs to accelerate progress towards achieving a prosperous, healthier, green and equal planet,” she said.
The SDGS have since been endorsed by the society including governments, private sector, multilateral agencies and civil society.
Bekele-Thomas said the SDGs will redefine global development, governance, gender relations and environmental protection adding that it will further fill gaps and advance the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which have hit the 2015 deadline.
“Citizens from all walks of life articulated their needs during the process of discussing the post 2015 development agenda. The development narrative has changed to include broader issues that impact on our daily lives,” Bekele-Thomas said.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals identifies 169 targets that should be implemented by 2030 to achieve a wealthier, cleaner and healthier planet.
Arif Neky, UNDP Economic Advisor, strategic partnerships and Philanthropy in his presentation during the same event said that countries will domesticate SDGs and establish local mechanisms to monitor their implementation.
“The global development agenda has been broadened courtesy of SDGs. They encourage local ownership of development programs and domestic resource mobilization to implement them,” said Neky.
