Developing countries urged to work towards 2030 Agenda

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

President Jacob Zuma has called for stronger solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developments.

The President was addressing the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in the southeastern city of Xiamen as part of the 9th e Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa (BRICS) on Tuesday.

He said that addressing common development challenges was integral to building a better future for all humankind.

“Cross fertilisation, the exchange of ideas, joint projects and skills training can go a long way towards promoting economic development and social progress for all,” said President Zuma.

On the African continent, President Zuma said countries are implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the African Union in an integrated manner in order to secure and utilise natural resources sustainably.

However, he added that revitalising the global partnership for sustainable development can only be fully achieved if supported by the concrete policies and actions outlined in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development which the President says is the integral part of the 2030 Agenda. 

“The means of implementation is fundamental to the success of countries meeting their developmental needs, and achieving the SDGs, yet it is the one area that has received neither the appropriate attention, nor the requisite priority.”

The President was hopeful that the New Development Bank would help financing, adding that the recently launched Africa Regional Centre is a welcomed signal of an intensifying partnership for development.

“The New Development Bank is supporting its founding members. Hopefully soon, it will also support our partners through providing development financing for infrastructure and sustainable development projects.”

President Zuma reminded the global south countries that they are responsible for increasing their role in agenda setting and rule formulation in relevant fora, notably in the United Nations.

“In its current state, the United Nations has been unable to curb unilateral actions by powerful nations. These practices risk the reversal of gains made by the collective and we must continue to address its inherent biases.” – SAnews.gov.za