Solomon Islands successfully presents 2nd VNR
By Alfred Pagepitu
The Solomon Islands Government delegation to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York recently, have successfully presented the country’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report is a requirement for all UN member countries that have agreed to report on their progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), along with other line ministries, non-governmental organizations, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector, with the support of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) assessed not only the progress made, but challenges faced in implementing the SDGs in the country.
Presenting the VNR report at the UN Headquarters last week, MNPDC Minister and head of delegation to the HLPF, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia stressed that the 2nd Voluntary National Review report, has highlighted that whilst some progress has been made against the 5 SDGs under review, progress is uneven and remain untenable against some indicators of the SDGs.
The five specific SDGs that were selected for assessment this year include; SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).
This is part of the regular reporting process through the HLPF, where all member countries are required to provide updates on their SDG implementation efforts.
Minister Ramofafia added, climate change continues to threaten peoples livelihoods and the sustainability of the economy and communities.
“Our vulnerability to climate change is deeply rooted in our development challenges. The high prevalence and increasing intensity of natural disasters is economically and socially taxing to the Government and our people.”
“To us, the key to address security and peace in our islands lies in development,” Hon. Ramofafia stressed.
The VNR aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Solomon Islands’ efforts and progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The presentation also include a short video highlighting some progress made on the SDG implementation.
The Global Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seek to end poverty and hunger, realize the human rights of all, achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources.
ENDS////