Guyana says much more funds are needed to achieve SDGs

United Nations, CMC-Guyana Monday told the three-day ministerial segment of the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) that while it has been able to make significant strides in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), more funding is needed to help vulnerable countries achieve the goals.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the HLPF, said that as countries strive towards eliminating poverty and guaranteeing a better life by 2030, much more funding is needed to help vulnerable countries achieve these goals.

He said many countries do not have enough money to achieve these goals. Their circumstances are worsened by the challenges faced during the coronavirus (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 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.

“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,” Singh told the forum.

Countries are reviewing the progress in achieving 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 that should eliminate poverty and foster peace and prosperity for everyone.

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

But he argued that national commitment alone is not enough to help countries achieve the SDGs, reiterating calls that have been made for more equitable financing that recognizes countries’ inherent vulnerabilities and challenges.

The HLPF is being held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the last day being Thursday.