Despite slothful global implementation Guyana committed to Agenda 2030– Pres. Ali tells UN

As world leaders converge in New York City for the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 76), a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Moment was convened by the United Nations Secretary-General on Monday.

The SDG Moment was convened in order to explore best practices, lessons and opportunities for a resilient post-COVID recovery and ensuring the global community’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Guyana’s Head of State Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the session in a pre-recorded video message, recommitting Guyana to the Agenda 2030.

“My country’s commitment to leaving no one behind is unalterable. Guyana is a plural society, with six ethnic groups and a kaleidoscope of cultures. This diversity impels us to approach policymaking in an even-handed and inclusive manner,” he said.

Dr. Ali observed that Agenda 2030 represents a framework for sustainable, inclusive and equitable development and said it is therefore imperative that the international community is not distracted or detoured from achieving the Agenda’s objectives and targets.

“Unfortunately, even prior to the pandemic, progress on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda was slothful and lagging. The pandemic has only compounded this reality. It has reversed many development gains and has threatened the attainment of the SDGs,” he added.

Dr. Ali also pointed out that the uneven global response to the pandemic has not helped.

In order to attenuate this uneven response, avert the adverse consequences of a two-tier recovery and prepare for future exogenous shocks, greater attention must be paid to strengthening resilience, he said.

Guyana remains committed to presenting its second Voluntary National Review in the Decade of Action to realise the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

“Guyana will stay wedded to SDGs and will strive through its small but aggressive advocacy to ensure that this the third decade of the 21st century is characterised by transformation in which ‘Agenda 2030’ remains the primary guiding framework,” the President concluded.