FG calls for collective support for SDGs implementation in Africa
The
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has called for collective support
from the international community to help Africa tackle regional challenges on
financing implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tuggar
made the call in his address at the UN General Assembly Summit of the future
that started from Sept. 22 to 23, 2024 in New York.
He
commended most of the global South for significant support toward
implementation of the SDGs 2030-Agenda, saying it is imperative to adopt
measures to tackle challenges impeding development.
Tuggar
said, “This is especially important in Africa, where economies are most
vulnerable due to historical imbalances in the international multilateral
system.
“The
SDG Index estimates that only about 16 per cent of SDG targets are on track to
be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure today’s adoption of Pact for the Future
is backed by willingness to fulfil outstanding commitments.
“With
the remaining 84 per cent of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved,
countries in the global North must do more to support sustainable development
in the global South.
“We
are optimistic these targets can be met, if commitments are backed by action.
However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, the
deadline should be extended.
“The
collective resolve and support of international community could help Africa
tackle regional challenges, particularly with regard to sustainable financing
for the SDG implementation.”
He
underscored the need for action-oriented measures to engender reform of the UN
Security Council aimed at ensuring a permanent seat for Africa.
Also
for reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive,
non-discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to
implement comprehensive debt relief measures.
“For
fulfilment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly
to facilitate sustainable financing for development; Support for local
indigenous production and export from Africa.
“To
strengthen measures toward ensuring timely repatriation of illicit financial
flows and assets.
“To
ensure adoption of UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to
ensure African economies are no longer shortchanged through tax evasion and
exclusion in global tax decision making.
“To
support the actualisation and implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG
stimulus proposal, which includes provision of US$500 billion per year for
SDGs”.
Others
include the need for commitment to fossil fuel energy transition, while giving
due consideration to the principle of Common But Differentiated
Responsibilities (CBDR) and Articles 4 and 9 of the Paris Climate Agreement
(2015).
This,
according to him, require the global North to provide the global South with the
requisite support to achieve the net-zero ambition.
“There
should be access to the climate loss and damage funds for the global South.
“To
bridge the digital divide between the global North and South through technology
sharing and capacity building, in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to
ensure no one is left behind,” he added.
He
restated that it is imperative the international community develop measures to
enhance common understanding on Cryptocurrency, given its significant impact on
global economy, links to transnational crime and money laundering.