17 development goals mooted to replace MDGs
Jul 16, 2014
Seventeen Social Development Goals (SDGs) have been proposed to replace Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are coming to an end in 2015.
By Francis Emorut
Seventeen Social Development Goals (SDGs) have been proposed to replace Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are coming to an end in 2015.
According to an economist with UNDP, Eunice Kamwendo the proposed SDGs that are to replace MDGs include; climate change, education, health, food security, energy, sustainable consumption, inequalities, governance and institutions.
Others are poverty, gender equality, water, industrialization, biodiversity, sustainable cities and peace and security.
Kamwendo said these proposed SDGs were arrived at after consultations with 88 countries, Uganda inclusive and the consultations are still on going.
She said this time round the main focus has shifted to quality delivery of services and people want very honest and accountable governments and opening up of space as far as democracy is concerned.
The eight MDGs that are coming to an end in 2015 include; eradication of extreme poverty, universal primary education, promote gender equality, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, ensure environment sustainability and developing global partnership for development.
trueAmbassador Ben Lukwiya (L) talks to foreign affairs legal head, Justinian Kateera during the Uganda National civil society orgnaisations consultation meeting on post 2015 development agenda at Protea Hotel in Kampala on July 16, 2014. PHOTO/ Francis Emorut
Kamwendo was speaking during the national civil society organisations consultation meeting on post 2015 development agenda at Protea Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday.
She emphasized that the new social development goals should focus on transforming the lives of societies.
She said the SDGs will be adopted in the 69th UN General Assembly scheduled for September.
This is the time the UN General Assembly President elect, Sam Kutesa takes the reins of power.
The UN coordinator, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu said Uganda’s unique position provides the country with an opportunity to lead the world in championing the agenda of SDGs post development agenda 2015.
He pledged that UN agencies in the country will rally behind Uganda to ensure sustainable and resilient livelihoods for every citizen in Uganda and the world at large.
trueUN Coordinator, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu (R) talks to UNDP economist, Eunice Kamwendo during the Uganda National civil society orgnaisations consultation meeting on post 2015 development agenda.
PHOTO/ Francis Emorut
The UN coordinator was backed by ministry of foreign affairs official Ambassador, Ben Lukwiya who said Uganda’s position at the UN General Assembly presents excellent opportunity for the country to be consulted in global affairs.
He however, cautioned that Uganda must perform to the expectation of international community.
“This is the standard which has been set so far by the UN system,”Lukwiya said.
He also emphasized the need of accountability for all the resources and contributions when Kutesa’s rein in power comes to an end in Sept 2015.
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