Guyana makes ‘significant progress’ in achieving global goals but more money needed – Dr. Singh

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday told a high-level United Nations meeting that Guyana made significant progress in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

But as countries strive towards eliminating poverty and guaranteeing a better life for all by 2030, Guyana’s Finance Minister said much more funding is needed to help vulnerable countries achieve these goals.

Dr. Singh spoke at the ministerial segment of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

There, he pointed out that many countries simply do not have enough money to achieve these goals. Their circumstances are worsened by the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy and food prices and climate change.

“We use this opportunity to repeat our previous call that this and other undelivered financing commitments be honoured and urge completion and adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, even as we endorse measures such as those proposed under the Bridgetown Initiative to support the most vulnerable countries.

“No less is required, if we are to have even a remote chance of achieving the lofty but necessary goals we set ourselves in Agenda 2030.,” Dr. Singh said at the forum.

Countries are reviewing the progress made in achieving the global goals, which should be approved by 2030. These engagements are part of the mid-term review of the SDGs.

Overall, the SDGs outline 17 interlinked objectives which should eliminate poverty and foster peace and prosperity for all people.

Beyond inching towards achieving more of these global goals, Dr. Singh pointed out that Guyana has also provided much-needed leadership on the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) ambitious food security agenda and through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Still, he contended that national commitment alone is not enough to help countries achieve the SDGs. As such, he reiterated calls that have been made for more equitable financing that recognises countries’ inherent vulnerabilities and challenges.