United Nations calls for Sustainable Development Goals acceleration to meet 2030 target

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has taken the advocacy for the rescue and acceleration towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) to the sub-national level.

Penpushing reports that this followed the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) Report 2024, which reveals that only 17 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets are currently on track

The Resident Coordinator in conclusion of a one-week working visit to Lagos, Enugu and Anambra States where he engaged with Governors, Commissioners, private sector, civil society, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, and other critical stakeholders strongly advocated for the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) to meet the 2030 target with a view to improving the wellbeing of the people and the planet.

“My visit to Owo Smart School, Enugu State was an eye opener and a confirmation that with the right leadership, nothing is impossible. I saw firsthand how technology was deployed to ensure quality education, thus placing students on the path to a brighter future’, he said

Penpushing further reports that at a Type-3 hospital in Agbogugu community, Fall noted the use of innovation in health and how commitment to expanding primary health centres could improve access to health services, leaving no one behind.

The Resident Coordinator engaging with women and youth groups said he was impressed by the young people taking action to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in Enugu state, and acknowledged the women’s clamour for increased female representation in politics and  urged all Nigerian women to remain optimistic about having more women in political leadership.

Penpushing further reports that Fall in Anambra State engaged with Governor, Charles Soludo, and they discussed issues around poverty alleviation, environmental threats, social protection, health, education, innovative financing and the need to leave no one behind.

The coordinator at the palace of Eze Uzu II of Awka, Anambra state, HRH Obi Dr Gibson Nwosu who was represented by the Prime Minister, Engr. Benjamin Okoye, addressed the Council of Chiefs, and noted that traditional rulers were key to accelerating the SDGs and improving peoples’ wellbeing.

Penpushing also reports that while addressing Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials at the UNICEF South-East Zonal Policy Dialogue on Child-sensitive Budgeting in Awka, he emphasised the readiness of the United Nations(UN) in Nigeria to support South-East in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s) in the sub-region.

The Resident Coordinator visited Eziabor village Oko, which is one of the over 1000 active erosion sites in Anambra State, adding that the soil erosion disaster required intervention of the of both and federal and state governments

“I saw a soil erosion disaster site that required interventions of the Federal Government, the State Government and all development partners, to save lives and livelihoods. Anambra state needs all the support it can get to sustainably address the challenging situation of devastating soil erosion in the state’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that at the Onitsha market, he acknowledged the industrious nature of the people, pointing out that he observed vibrancy and resilience of the people towards contributing to the development

“I saw the vibrancy and resilience of the people, oiling the wheel of commerce and entrepreneurship while contributing to the development of not only Anambra State but the entire Southeast and beyond’, he stated.

Penpushing also reports that Fall called for a diligent integration of innovation and skill development into commerce, which he emphasized, would be an effective enabler of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) acceleration.

The Resident Coordinator in Lagos, engaged with the Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Transcorp groups, Mr. Tony Elumelu and emphasized the role of the private sector in rescuing and accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s) in Nigeria.

Penpushing reports that Fall acknowledged the contribution of Elumelu to youth development in Nigeria and Africa, especially through the platform of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

“It’s always a pleasure to engage with you and your team, always reflecting on the youth bulge in Nigeria and Africa and the inherent demographic dividend. Young people offer great opportunities for national development’, he added.

Penpushing further reports that Fall at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) joint press briefing with the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, and Sterling One Foundation CEO, Ms. Adepeju Ibekwe, restated the United Nations(UN’s) collaboration with Sterling One Foundation to ensure continuity of the Summit which started in 2022, and expressed optimism that the forthcoming ASIS2024 would help provide some insights on how best to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG’s) in Nigeria and in Africa.

“It’s so amazing and inspiring to hear vibrant young people – the timbuktoo cohorts – speak about their tech-driven innovative solutions to societal problems such as climate change, access to credits, rent payment, medical supplies, among others’, he said

“With so many young people embracing tech and innovation, we see a ray of hope for a brighter, better future – a future of innovative solutions for the present and future generations in Africa. For the timbuktoo cohorts, You’re our hope. You’re also our pride.” He further said on at the launch by UNDP, of the first ever timbuktoo FinTech in Africa’.

Penpushing also reports that he emphasised further that technology and innovation would be critical for Africa to leapfrog and transform the society, noting that, Fintech could play a vital role in expanding financial inclusion – which would in turn, help reduce inequalities; create jobs; and reduce inequalities.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah receiving the Resident Coordinator in Enugu State acknowledged that the United Nations (UN) was established for public good and added that the vision of his administration aligned with the United Nations (UN) mandates and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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