Govt sets up SDG secretariat

Oct 22, 2019

The Cabinet session which debated SDGs was attended by United Nations' Rosa Malango

Ahead of the United Nations (UN) Day celebrations on Thursday, Cabinet has debated the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country, suggesting that all Government ministries, departments and agencies must re-arraign their budgets with the sustainable goals.

According to Mary Karooro Okurut, the minister for general duties, Cabinet also approved the institution of an SDG secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister to among other things coordinate the implementation of the SDGs and also sensitise the public about the development goals.

"Uganda has become the first country in the world to take the SDG debate to Cabinet. During the Cabinet meeting on Monday, I presented a paper on the implementation of the SDG, and cabinet members committed themselves on these SDGs.

Cabinet also moved that ministries, Government department and agencies should include SDGs in their budgets," Karooro told journalists on Tuesday at the Uganda Media Centre.

The Cabinet session, which debated SDGs, Karooro said, was attended by Rosa Malango, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda.

Translation of the 17 SDGs into local languages and massive sensitization of the public are the other key implementation points that Cabinet wants the SDG secretariat to handle.

Dr Albert Byamugisha has also been appointed to head the SDG secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister.

"The implementation of the SDGs will drive the overall development plan of the country, reduce future economic competitiveness and reduce poverty," Karooro said.

The SDGs were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. At the time, Sam Kutesa, the minister of foreign affairs, was the President of the UN General Assembly.

Speaking to journalists, Malango described SDGs as "a global agenda of local relevancy."

The UN chief in Uganda also welcomed the move by the government to set up the SDG secretariat, saying it will be vital in the assessment of the local implementation of the SDG agenda in Uganda.

"SDGs are at the forefront of the UN day celebrations this year," Malango said, adding that through the UN cooperation framework, the UN will help Uganda achieve the SDGs.

On October 24, the UN Day will be celebrated at Kololo Independence Grounds.

Karooro said President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the celebrations organised under the theme, "Youth Entrepreneurship for SDGs."

The SDGs

1. No poverty

2. Zero hunger

3. Good health and well being

4. Quality education

5. Gender equality

6. Clean water and sanitation

7. Affordable and clean energy

8. Decent work and economic growth

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

10. Reduce inequalities

11. Sustainable cities and communities

12. Responsible consumption and production

13. Climate action

14. Life below water

15. Life on land

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

17. Partnerships for goals

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