At a high-level United Nations meeting on Monday, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh stated that the country had achieved great progress toward fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Guyana’s finance minister stated that considerably more cash is required to assist vulnerable countries in achieving these goals as countries work to end poverty and provide a better life for all by the year 2030.
At the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in New York, Dr. Singh addressed the ministerial section of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). He made the observation that many nations simply lacked the financial resources necessary to realize these objectives. The difficulties incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy and food prices, and climate change make their situation worse.
“We use this opportunity to repeat our previous call that this and other undelivered financing commitments be honored 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.
Dr. Singh said at the forum that 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. 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 recognizes countries’ inherent vulnerabilities and challenges.
