By Nthambeleni Gabara
New York – South Africa has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the 2030 Development Agenda which ushers in a new era for global development.
Speaking to SAnews, Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said: “It is ambitious and potentially transformational and South Africa welcomes the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda. The new development agenda builds on the Millennium Development Goals and will serve as the guiding global development framework for the next fifteen years.
“The outcome document recognises the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and also took in consideration of different national realities, capacities and levels of development.
“Over the next 15 years, we should work together nationally, regionally and globally to deliver on sustainable development by focusing on the implementation of the goals and targets”.
The final version of the outcome document, which South Africa actively participated in throughout the process, constitutes a delicate political compromise that reflects the overall views of all states.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, “we enter a new era of efforts to eradicate poverty, foster human well-being and protect our planet.
"Today, we all recognize the great potential of South-South Cooperation to improve the well-being of the vast majority of the world's people”.
The President of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, said: “Right now, what we need is action – action from all actors to secure early progress and build on the momentum created by the hugely inclusive preparatory process, and by this historic summit.
He said the challenge now is to put in place what is needed to drive implementation – by way of effective policies, governance structures, human and institutional capabilities, financing, technologies and partnerships.
“The opportunities are tremendous – but only if we work together to forge stronger bonds of international and regional cooperation in pursuit of our shared goals and in support of national commitments and efforts,” said Lykketoft. - SAnews.gov.za
