Nepal makes 42% progress in SDGs

Kathmandu, Oct. 10

Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, stated that Nepal needs to accelerate its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. As of the halfway point, the country has made approximately 42 per cent progress.

"Reflecting on the status of the SDGs, the midterm progress towards all 17 goals, at both the national and universal scales, falls behind the targets," he remarked while addressing the inaugural session of the seventh South and South-West Asia Subregional Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The two-day forum is jointly hosted by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for South and South-West Asia, co-hosted by the NPC in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Dr. Phuyal emphasised Nepal's full commitment to achieving the SDGs and incorporating them into all three tiers of government. He also mentioned that the country has conducted an SDG localisation programme at all local government levels.

He explained that medium-term expenditure frameworks, annual budgets, and sectorial strategies are aligned with the SDGs, supported by planning, monitoring, and evaluation guidelines.

Dr. Phuyal also informed delegates from the region that Nepal's development strategy includes human capital development, the retention of returning migrant workers through domestic employment opportunities, and innovative utilisation of remittances. He mentioned that the service sector, National Data Profile, and IT sectors are set to receive increased attention.

"We have identified key areas that have the potential to catalyse economic transformation, leading us toward SDG attainment and irreversible graduation from LDC status. Our focus is on enhancing production, productivity, and competitiveness within our economy, generating skilled human capital, and creating decent work and productive employment opportunities," he emphasised.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the vital role of the private sector in achieving the SDGs. He emphasised the need for collaboration and innovation among the government, private sector, and other development partners.

Dhakal mentioned that the private sector not only contributes financially but also drives economic growth, job creation, and technological progress. "The private sector plays a special role in job creation, investment in healthcare and education, promoting gender equality, developing infrastructure, mitigating climate change, and protecting the environment," he stated.

Dhakal highlighted the importance of public-private cooperation and international collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Hana Singer, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal, emphasised the importance of sharing lessons learned during the development and implementation of programmes aimed at achieving the SDGs.

Likewise, Irusha Coorey, Director of the SAARC Secretariat, pointed out that food security is a serious concern in South Asia. She mentioned that the region faces multiple climate hazards, but reporting systems are inadequate. She also noted that one-third of unregistered children are in South Asia.

The Forum will continue until Wednesday and will focus on various issues related to the SDGs.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 11 October 2023.