UN, Philippines to discuss development goals

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Philippine government would discuss a possible collaboration on development priorities towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

In a statement, the group said United Nations assistant secretary-general and UNDP regional director Kanni Wignaraja will be in Philippines from Oct. 22 to 28 on official mission.

“During her week-long mission, Ms. Wignaraja will meet with senior government officials and private sector, civil society and youth representatives, to discuss UNDP’s work and contribution to the country’s development priorities and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals,” the UNDP said.

Wignaraja is also scheduled to grace the launching of “Pintig: Women, Data and the Pandemic,” a documentary which highlights the work and commitment of women leaders in the Philippines at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UNDP said Wignaraja would also conduct field visits in select areas in Mindanao to hand over equipment to support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

“She will also have discussions on resilience with leading thinkers, industry practitioners and civil society organizations to explore what the Philippines should do to use the economic, social and environmental policy and financing instruments to support green recovery, while also building sustainable and resilient economies and societies,” the statement read in part.

The UNDP has been working with the Philippine government, civil society organizations and private sector since 1965 in several projects and programs that aim to promote “inclusive, green and resilient” economic growth. The development initiatives are geared toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, it added.

“Today, it (UNDP) continues to strengthen the country’s capacities at the national and local levels to promote democratic governance, sustainable management of natural resources, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management and resilience and peace-building,” the UNDP said.

“In all its programs, UNDP integrates human rights and gender equality, believing that everyone should have equal access to the benefits of development,” it added.

The SDGs were adopted by 193 UN member-states, including the Philippines, during a world summit held in 2015.

The 17 goals, which included eliminating poverty and hunger, promoting quality education, good health, gender equality, climate action and strong justice system, among others, are targeted to be achieved by 2030.