Malaysia On Track To Achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals By 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is on track of achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, according to UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough. "With a future-forward government, vibrant private sector, high broadband connectivity and the innovative push, Malaysia is in the right space to put SDGs into practice and lead efforts across the region. "However, growth and progress would only be sustainable if they are inclusive and ensured that no one is left behind," she said when addressing the audience at the UN Day 2016 reception, here, Monday. Gyles-McDonnough noted that the Malaysian government had conducted one of the most comprehensive SDG gap analyses among countries so far, to understand the remaining development challenges. "The Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department, which serves as the focal point for the SDGs, is set to unveil a proposed roadmap for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in a multi-stakeholder workshop co-organised with the UN Country Team on Nov 15 to 16," she said. She added that the workshop was set to provide the space for civil society, business, academia and other development actors to contribute to shaping the country's implementation strategies and plans. Gyles-McDonnough said the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, comprising the SDGs, the Paris Climate Agreement, Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework, and Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, was a landmark achievement for the global community. The UN also commended Malaysia for registering its interest this month to conduct a Voluntary National Review and report to the next High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July next year. The HLPF is the intergovernmental forum to review and analyse progress towards achievement of the SDGs of developed and developing countries alike. In conjunction with the commemoration of UN Day, which marks the 71st anniversary of the UN, the Youth reporting division of The Star Media Group received the UN Malaysia 2016 award. The UN Malaysia Award is an annual award presentation by the UN in Malaysia to individuals or organisations whose work in serving communities exemplify UN's ideals and values. In line with the SDGs by 2030, this year's award seeks to recognise champions of change who are meaningfully contributing to the goals and targets of the 2030 agenda. UN Day, celebrated on Oct 24 each year since 1948, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the Charter of the UN. --BERNAMA