Report on the Meeting between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Kenyan President William Ruto at the UN Conference on Financing for Development

Introduction

During the United Nations Conference on Financing for Development, a significant meeting took place between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Kenyan President William Ruto. The primary focus of their discussion was food security, a critical global issue aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Discussion on Food Security and Global Stability

Prime Minister Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine’s role as a guarantor of global food stability despite the ongoing conflict with Russia. He highlighted the challenges posed by Russia’s actions, including the theft of Ukrainian grain and deliberate attacks on ports and grain storage facilities. These acts threaten not only African nations but global food security as a whole, directly impacting SDG 2 and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Cooperation between Ukraine and Kenya

The leaders discussed practical steps to enhance bilateral cooperation, focusing on economic and trade collaboration to support sustainable development. Key areas of cooperation include:

1. Drafting an agreement on economic and trade collaboration
2. Advancement of agricultural processing
3. Establishment of logistics and grain distribution hubs

These initiatives contribute to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Focus on Education and Technological Cooperation

Special attention was given to education, particularly the launch of academic exchange programs between higher education institutions. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education. Additionally, Ukraine expressed openness to cooperation in digitalization, information technology, and the space sector, supporting SDG 9 and SDG 17.

Appreciation and Support

• Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed gratitude to Kenya for its steadfast support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Kenya’s adherence to the principles of the UN Charter was acknowledged as vital for maintaining international peace and security, supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Additional Diplomatic Engagements

During the same conference, Prime Minister Shmyhal also held a historic first meeting with Andorra’s Prime Minister Xavier Espot Zamora. Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, further promoting SDG 17.

Conclusion

The meeting between Ukrainian and Kenyan leaders at the UN Conference on Financing for Development underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Their focus on food security, economic collaboration, education, and technology reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainable development and global partnership.

Photo source: Denys Shmyhal / Facebook

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on food security, grain distribution, and agricultural processing, directly relating to ending hunger and ensuring access to safe, nutritious food.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The discussions on cooperation between Ukraine and Kenya, economic and trade collaboration, and academic exchange programs highlight the importance of global partnerships.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education – The launch of academic exchange programs between higher education institutions addresses inclusive and equitable quality education.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Emphasis on digitalization, information technology, and the space sector relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment, including through international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, and technology development.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Prevalence of undernourishment (Indicator 2.1.1) – Implied by the discussion on global food security and hunger threats.
   • Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size (Indicator 2.3.1) – Related to agricultural productivity and processing advancement.
   • Official development assistance and public expenditure on agriculture (Indicator 2.a.1) – Implied through international cooperation and investment in agricultural infrastructure.
2. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (Indicator 17.17.1) – Implied by the economic and trade collaboration agreements.
   • Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks (Indicator 17.16.1) – Implied through enhanced partnerships.
3. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training (Indicator 4.3.1) – Implied by academic exchange programs.
   • Proportion of youth and adults with ICT skills (Indicator 4.4.1) – Implied by cooperation in digitalization and information technology.
4. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP (Indicator 9.5.1) – Implied by emphasis on scientific research and technology development.
   • Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added (Indicator 9.b.1) – Related to innovation in digital and space sectors.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ukrinform.net