-UN Resident Coordinator says.
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The United Nations resident coordinator in Liberia says, Liberia still has many challenges that prevent it from reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking at the Liberia National Consultation Workshop on Commitment to SDG Acceleration and (The SDGs Transformation Roadmap), held under the theme: “Amplifying the voices and actions for SDGs and committing to inclusive and sustainable transformation for shared prosperity in Liberia Transformation”, Madam Christine Umutoni said Liberia, like many countries, has a lot to do, as it ranks 157 out of 166 on the percentage of SDGs achieved.
According to her, Liberia has made modest progress, which he said has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index. “Liberia has made modest progress, which has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index. Liberia has made some structural and socio-economic reforms implemented by the government, supported by partners.”
Madam Umutoni stated that there is a need for Liberia to make more commitments toward transformational change. She acknowledged that Liberia is committed to the SDGs domestication and developed the SDGs domestication Roadmap as well as the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity Development. She sees this as a good start but not enough to make progress in achieving the SDGs.
Meanwhile, the UN diplomat commended the Government and all Liberians for maintaining 20 years of peace, and for committing to peaceful democratic elections in October of this year.
Howbeit, she said commitment to maintaining the peace is a fundamental building block for sustainable development because, “The SDGs is about peace, the planet, people, prosperity, and partnership. It is about how we invest in human security so that people can have greater choices, and freedom for fears, wants, and indignity.”
She continued, “We laud the government for its determination and desire to join the rest of the world to launch a new global acceleration and transformation commitment for the SDGs, as the world finds itself off track to meet the
SDGs.”
At the same time, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that the country’s dedication in preparing for the global summit, is in addition to its contributions to the political declaration.
At the symposium, it was revealed that Liberia will also participate in two side events on Adolescent well-being, Gender equality, and women’s empowerment, by showcasing the Spotlight project.
She commended the government of Liberia and all who have supported the consultation for pursuing an inclusive process, in line with the guidance provided by the UN for organizing the SDGs summit preparatory activities. She said the consultative and validation workshop is a culmination of many earlier discussions, reviews, and reports.
Numerically, she said they include the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) of progress towards the SDG targets, sector portfolio reviews, the Liberia SDG Integrated Insights Analyses, the national ongoing drivers of sustainable and inclusive development studies, the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development report, and the commitments to Adolescent wellbeing, food security reports, among others, from various partners.
The UN resident coordinator further admonished Liberians and partners to explore new, bold, and SMART transformational actions and acceleration commitments at the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals Report special edition.
Moreover, she urged Liberians to ensure that the SDGs acceleration and transformation roadmap leads to more impactful implementation efforts and commit to building connections and momentum across other major processes.
She wants the government to strategically reflect on more effective transformational paths and pursue that change with the vigor and determination that current situation demands.
In continuation, the UN envoy admonished Liberians to think big and aim high.
“Based on successful country experiences, and recent studies, including our own ongoing drivers of inclusive and sustainable development study, I would like to urge you to set a benchmark and national ambitious targets on poverty and inequality, prioritize institutional arrangements to deliver the goals, and invest in the SDGs transition priority areas.”
Madam Christine Umutoni further admonished the Liberian government to leave no hand behind in investing in women and girls, and making digital transformation work for everyone.
With this, she wants the government to adopt a life course approach to essential services that will maintain and invest in peace and secure food, water, and sanitation systems.
The UN envoy concluded by urging the government to scale up priority investments, to expand into new geographic areas, and identify new poor and food-insecure households, with efforts to leave no one behind.
“When we did so with COVID, we conquered it because we saw political will, a sense of urgency, and strong coordination to deal with an important national issue. Let us do the same for SDGs,” she said.
