UN discusses how to accelerate achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Political Parties

The United Nations in Nigeria has discussed with representatives of ten registered political parties how to accelerate Nigeria’s achievement of Agenda 2030 and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)s.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, thanked the representatives of political parties at the meeting for their time and commitment. “With attendees from across the political spectrum, this is a promising sign for the commitment of Nigeria to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - whatever the outcome of the upcoming elections,” he noted.

Schmale recalled that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in the UN General Assembly in 2015 by 193 member states including Nigeria.

“Together, this set of 17 interconnected goals sets out a vision for a secure world free from poverty and hunger, with full and productive employment, access to quality education and universal health coverage, the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and an end to environmental degradation,” said the UN Resident Coordinator.

In summarizing the rich discussion and substantial contributions from all participants, the UN Resident Coordinator noted that mainstreaming the SDGs into  Party  manifestoes and government plans is a good step towards rescuing the SDGs; expressed appreciation that all Parties advocated for a focus on education, climate change related action and renewable energy, social justice and protection, eradication of poverty, and gender equality; and recognised that Nigeria has much wealth in the form of its entrepreneurial citizens and natural resources. Against this background increasing domestic resource mobilization for government services and ensuring impactful spending is critical.

He further stated the importance of making the Federal system work better by revisiting and refining roles and responsibilities between the federal Government, State Governors and LGAs.

Schmale concluded that the above points provide a good basis for further proactive engagement of the UN with the government and other critical stakeholders including Paries at both national and state levels beyond elections.

The roundtable was attended by Action Alliance (AA); Africa Action Congress (AAC); Action Democratic Party (ADC); Boot Party; Labour Party; National Rescue Movement (NRM); People's Redemption Party (PRP); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Social Democratic Party (SDP); and Young Progressive Party (YPP).