FG presents SDGs voluntary national review report to UN today

The Federal Government will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the United Nations High Level Political Forum (HLPF) today at 3:20 p.m.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who will be represented by his Senior Special Assistant on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, will be presenting the report at the HLPF’s second panel session, which is holding online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nigeria’s 2020 VNR on SDGs focuses on poverty (SDG-1), inclusive economy (SDG-8), health and wellbeing (SDG-3), Education (SDG-4), gender equality (SDG-5), enabling environment of peace and security (SDG-16) and partnerships (SDG-17).

The focus areas are based on President Buhari’s current development priorities and objectives.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Graba Shehu, noted that the VNR was being developed amid challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic testing Nigeria’s public health systems and collapse in oil prices in an economy that generates 86 per cent of revenue from oil and gas.

He explained that Nigeria was among 44 member countries of the UN that presented its VNR in 2017 on the implementation of the 2030 agenda and the SDGs at HLPF.

“The country also volunteered with other 46 countries for VNR this year. Among the 47 VNR reporting countries for year 2020 are 26 first time presenters, 20 second time presenters and a third time presenter.

The reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels are inclusive, country-led and country-driven.

“As stipulated in paragraph 84 of the 2030 Agenda, regular reviews by the HLPF will be voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and shall provide a platform for partnerships, including participation of major groups and other relevant stakeholders.

“The VNRs aim to facilitate sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and to mobilise multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement added.

It explained that this year, the HLPF meeting on SDGs convened under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, was being held from Tuesday, July 7, 2020 through Thursday, July 16, 2020, including a three-day ministerial meeting of the forum from Tuesday, July 14 to Thursday, July 16, 2020 with the theme: “Accelerated Action and Transformative Pathways: Realising the Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development.”