Nepal presents VNR at the UN

Kathmandu, July 18: Nepal presented its Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on Monday.

Leader of the Nepali delegation, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, presented the VNR at the HLPF's ministerial segment, Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, said in a press statement.

Dr. Shrestha stated that the country's expected economic growth of 7 percent in fiscal year 2016-17 may be the beginning of a key turnaround for Nepal's development.

He highlighted Nepal’s ambitious and rights-based constitution as the overarching guide to sustainable development, and underlined the importance of forging strong partnerships at the national, regional and international levels and among multiple stakeholders for its implementation.

“In this regard, SDGs are being integrated into national plans and programmes,” he said.

Dr. Shrestha highlighted that despite gaps and challenges, Nepal wished to swiftly complete the unfinished agenda of MDGs, and step up its efforts to achieve the SDGs, building on the encouraging gains made so far.

He also updated the forum about Nepal’s plans across different goals and targets and informed that SDG codes were assigned to all programmes under the national budget, together with the tracking of expenditures.

The HLPF is the central platform of the United Nations for providing political leadership, guidance and recommendations for the implementation and follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda.

VNR is a mechanism through which Member States showcase their progress in achieving SDGs, as well as the gaps and challenges facing them.

This is the second HLPF after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in 2015. This year's HLPF is being held from 10 to 19 July with 44 Member States including Nepal presenting their VNRs.