Sustainable Development under Grave Threat, Requiring Strengthened Multilateralism, Representative Underlines, as Second Committee Takes Up Operational Activities

Many Delegates Also Voice Concern over Budget Deficit Faced by Resident Coordinator System

South-South and triangular cooperation not only enabled developing countries to obtain vaccines during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, but also enhanced resilience through the establishment of vaccine production facilities in countries like Brazil, Egypt, and Indonesia, a United Nations official told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) today as it also discussed operational activities for development of the United Nations system.

Xiaojun Grace Wang, Trust Fund Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation

Xiaojun Grace Wang, Trust Fund Director at the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, introduced the Secretary-General’s report titled “State of South-South cooperation” (document A/78/290), highlighting the works of Southern-based development banks in efforts towards recovery from the pandemic in developing countries. She went on to note that about three quarters of UN entities in 2022 reported integrating South-South and triangular cooperation into their global strategic plans.

• National Government partners have received support from UN entities and regional commissions in documenting, disseminating, and adapting successful Southern solutions in science, technology, and innovation initiatives.
• 70% of 115 UN country teams cited a lack of dedicated resources and capacity as the main challenge in providing support to South-South and triangular cooperation.

Neil Pierre, Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Neil Pierre, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introduced the report of the Secretary-General on the “Implementation of General Assembly resolution 75/233 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system” (documents A/78/72 and A/78/72/Add.1). The report spotlighted that investments made in the repositioning of the United Nations development system are delivering results, he said.

• 88% of host Governments agreed that resident coordinators provide effective and strategic leadership in support of their national plans and priorities.
• The repositioning has generated significant efficiencies of over $405 million in 2022 — a 47% increase from 2021.

Statements

Many speakers elaborated on the need to continue to boost South-South cooperation, particularly towards the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. South-South cooperation is a complement to and not a substitution for North-South cooperation, many speakers underscored. They further emphasized the importance of respecting the principles of sovereign ownership and non-intervention in internal affairs, even as cooperation flourishes and deepens.

• Cuba’s delegate, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, stressed that the path to sustainable development is “under serious threat”, requiring strengthened multilateralism.
• Jamaica’s representative, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), noted with concern the lack of progress achieved in fulfilling the 2030 Agenda.
• Mexico’s representative said that resident coordinators and UN country teams require a process of continuous improvement and strengthening.
• Sri Lanka’s delegate said the debt crisis, coupled with an international financial architecture that offers no solutions when countries need them most, along with a climate crisis, biodiversity loss, war, conflict, and natural hazards, are posing existential risks for the planet.
• Cameroon’s delegate said that despite the mountain of challenges, his delegation remains optimistic that Member States will be able to provide the United Nations development system the necessary resources to make it an effective tool for humanity and the planet going forward.

Continuation of Eradication of Poverty, Agriculture Development

Ms. MARTINS (Timor-Leste), associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, the Group of Least Developed Countries, and the Alliance of Small Island States, said that a decade’s progress has been reversed by the current spike in world hunger. Agriculture, including fisheries and forestry, is the backbone of Timor-Leste’s non-oil economy, with potential to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and contribute to improved nutrition and economic growth.

• Increased production
• Improved access to domestic and export markets
• Enhancement of sustainable natural resources management
• Better institutional management across the agriculture sector

ASSANE DIOUM (Senegal), aligning himself with the Group of 77 and China, stressed that it is not normal for women and men to lack the minimum subsistence level in the twenty-first century. While 20% of the African population suffers from hunger, he noted the continent has 60% of the world’s arable land.

• The African emergency plan for food production aims to strengthen food security, nutrition, and resilience on the continent.
• Senegal has increased its agricultural budget and is testing high-yield wheat crops.

GABRIELE CACCIA, Permanent Observer for the Holy See, said the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions remains the greatest challenge today. He underscored the need for a combination of interconnected factors to be geared towards its eradication.

• Education and adequate social protection, particularly for maternity and family concerns, are effective tools in combating poverty.
• Policies should place the human being at the center of all activities.

Ms. MILJKOVICOVA of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said the agency supports countries’ efforts in poverty alleviation and food security through inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

• UNIDO helps countries build national capacities and local skills, participate in regional and global value chains, and access new markets.
• Programs support countries in adopting modern, integrated industrial policies and increasing investments in sustainable industry, including agro-industry.

Introduction of Reports

NEIL PIERRE, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introduced the report of the Secretary-General on the “Implementation of General Assembly resolution 75/233 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system” (documents A/78/72 and A/78/72/Add.1).

• 88% of host Governments agreed that resident coordinators provide effective and strategic leadership in support of their national plans and priorities.
• The repositioning has generated significant efficiencies of over $405 million in 2022 — a 47% increase from 2021.

XIAOJUN GRACE WANG,

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
• Target 10.1: By 2030, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
• Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: press.un.org

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.