Nigeria has called for measures to address challenges impeding the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
This is as Nigeria also called for the extension of the 2030 deadline.
The SDG Index estimates that only about16 percentof the SDG targets are on track to achieved the target.
Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar blamed historical
imbalances in the international multilateral system for the challenges faced in achieving develipment, especially in Africa.
Tuggar spoke at the ongoing Summit for the Future, United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.
He was optimistic that the targets can be met, if commitments are backed by
actions.
He said: ” With most of the global South significantly behind in the
implementation of the SDGs 2030 Agenda, it is imperative we adopt
measures to address challenges impeding development. This is especially
important in Africa, where economies are most vulnerable due to historical
imbalances in the international multilateral system.
“The SDG Index estimates that only about16 percentof the SDG
targets are on track to be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure that
today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future is backed by a real willingness
to fulfil outstanding commitments. With the remaining 84% of the SDG
targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries in the global North must do
more to support sustainable development in the global South.
“We are
optimistic that these targets can be met, if commitments are backed by
action. However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by
2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended.
“The collective resolve and support of the international community
could help Africa to address regional challenges, particularly with regard to
sustainable financing for the SDG implementation.”
Tuggar also used the opportunity to call for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa.
The Minister also advocated for “Reform of the international financial architecture to promote an
inclusive,non-discriminatory and transparent international trading
system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures;
“Fulfilment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda,
particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development;
“Support for local indigenous production and export from Africa;
“Strengthening of measures to ensure timely repatriation of illicit
financial flows and assets;
“Adoption of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax
Cooperation to ensure African economies are no longer short changed through tax evasion and exclusion in global tax
decision making;
“Support for the actualisation and implementation of the UN
Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal, which includes a
provision of US$500 billion per year for the Global South;
“Commitment to fossil fuel energy transition, while giving due
consideration to the principle of Common But Differentiated
Responsibilities(CBDR), as well as Articles 4 and 9 of the Paris
Climate Agreement (2015), which call on the global North to provide
the global South withthe requisite support to achieve the net-zero
ambition;
“Access to the climate loss and damage funds fort he global South;
and
Bridging the digital divide between the global North and South through technology sharing and capacity building, including in areas
such as Artificial Intelligence(AI) to ensure no one is left behind;
6.It is also imperative the international community develops measures
to enhance a common understanding on Cryptocurrency, given its
significant impact on the global economy, as well as links to transnational
crime and money laundering.”
The Minister however reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
“Our
collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future
should result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the
global South, most especially Africa,” he added.
