SDGs in dire need of a rescue plan, says Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has emphasized the urgent need to reinvigorate efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing the 2023 SDGs Summit on Monday,  he said the world is significantly deviating from the intended trajectory to achieve the SDGs, reaching the halfway point to the 2030 deadline. Prime Minister Dahal attributed this setback to global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, which are severely impeding the progress made in development.

“We all know, 12 of the 17 goals and at least 18 of the 169 targets refer explicitly to LDCs, recognizing the importance of addressing their development challenges. And yet, foreign direct investment flows to LDCs saw a decline of about 30% in 2022, as compared to 2021.
Investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, water and sanitation, food security, health and education suffered a significant blow,” Dahal said.

Dahal reiterated Nepal’s commitment to integrating the SDGs into national policies and plans, focusing on poverty eradication, reducing inequality, and striving for a smooth and sustainable graduation from the LDC category by 2026. He also emphasized Nepal’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and achieving a net-zero scenario by 2045, urging support from development partners to complement these efforts.

He also called for renewed global commitment and action to accelerate progress and achieve the 2030 Agenda.