Liberia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., has stressed the need for greater and sustained international cooperation for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Addressing the Ministerial Segment of the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, from July 16-18, 2019; Ambassador Kemayah said the realization of the SDGs will require not just a huge surge in financial resources, but also leveraging, and improving the capacity, skills, knowledge and technology; and all stakeholders; as referenced in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for Development (FfD).
The Addis Ababa Action Agenda adopted in 2015 establishes a strong foundation to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; through the new global framework for financing sustainable development. It aligns all financing flows and policies with economic, social, and environmental priorities.
Reflecting on the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the first four years; Ambassador Kemayah said while progress has been made on a number of the Goals; much more work needs to be done to enhance implementation and reach those furthest behind.
Said Ambassador Kemayah: "We take note of the Secretary-General’s report on progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the recommendations; therein. While the report highlights progress that has been made on a number of the Goals, targets; and actions undertaken by Governments and other stakeholders over the past four (4) years; it also brings to focus the lag in implementation; and the adverse impact on the most vulnerable people; hence; indicating slow acceleration and innovation in the global response. As we transition to the next cycle, it has become more compelling to strengthen international cooperation; and engender partnerships at all levels; to accelerate progress towards implementation."
At the National level, Ambassador Kemayah informed the High-level Forum that "His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of Liberia, continue to make strides to address inequality; gender imbalance; youth unemployment; promote inclusiveness; and initiate programs to empower the Liberian People.
The Liberian Envoy also spoke of the provision of equitable opportunities in education; health; youth and social development; promoting an inclusive and accountable public sector; the sustainability of peace, security and democracy; and strengthening of the justice and security sectors; for shared prosperity and sustainable development".
Ambassador Kemayah then disclosed that "the Republic of Liberia under the astute Leadership of His Excellency President George Manneh Weah will present its Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the 2020 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF); consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 70/1.
The Voluntary National Review (VNR) process, according to Ambassador Kemayah, will facilitate the monitoring; and evaluation of Liberia’s progress; in the implementation of the SDGs; within the context of the Government's Flagship National Development Agenda - The Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD); which places the Liberian People at its core.
On the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, Ambassador Kemayah also addressed an event on "Strengthening Partnerships to Accelerate Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 in Africa."
At the side-event organized by the African Union Observer Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Kemayah stressed that sharing of experiences and best practices, as well as devising innovative means of financing at the regional level, can provide vital support to enhance implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 in Africa.
Ambassador Kemayah also emphasized the need to scale up South-South Cooperation as an important framework for developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), given their potential to contribute to poverty eradication and the achievement of sustainable development.
The 2019 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the theme: "Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality".
The Forum reviewed in-depth the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal Four (4): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; Goal Eight (8): Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all; Goal Ten (10): Reduce inequality within and among countries; Goal Thirteen (13): Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; Goal Sixteen (16): Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and Goal Seventeen (17): Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
