Across the globe, world leaders are getting ready to adopt the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are essentially an agreed vision to put people and planet on a sustainable path by 2030. This will form the bedrock of a new development agenda that can set the world on a course of action to end poverty, transform lives and protect the planet.
In the United Republic of Tanzania we’re looking forward to the launch of the second phase of the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP) and these new Global Goals will help us achieve that. The Goals spell out how we work together to promote dignity, equality, justice, shared prosperity and well-being for all, while protecting the environment. We are the first generation that can end poverty and the last one that can avoid the worst effects of climate change.
I’ve learned from my work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that setting goals and targets work. For example, UNDP Tanzania is in the process of designing its Country Programme Document (CPD - 2016-2021) i.e. a development assistance strategy in line with government’s priorities and UNDP’s mandate, also the Government of Tanzania is formulating phase two (2) of the Five Year Development Plan (2016/17 -2021/22). We are delighted that both processes have come at an opportune time in line with the adoption of the Global Goals. We look forward to continuing our work in the years to come.
Millions of people’s lives have improved due to concerted efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which serve as the foundation for the next global development agenda. MDGs targets have already been met on reducing poverty, increasing access to improved drinking water sources, improving the lives of slum dwellers and achieving gender parity in primary school. Tanzania is on track to meet three of the seven MDGs: reducing infant and under-five mortality, combating HIV/AIDS and malaria and addressing gender equality. With more effort on the MDGs which are off-track in particular poverty, Tanzania can eliminate extreme poverty by 2030.
Over the past 20 years, the likelihood of a child dying before age five has been nearly cut in half. Globally, the maternal mortality ratio dropped by nearly half. More people than ever before are receiving antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infection. More than six million deaths from malaria were averted due to substantial expansion of malaria interventions. Enormous progress has been made, showing the value of a unifying agenda underpinned by goals and targets. Yet despite this progress, the indignity of poverty has not been ended for all.
That’s why these 17 new Goals will continue this journey towards progress for everyone that aims to go even farther to focus the world on ending poverty, hunger and major health problems, as well as break new ground by setting goals and targets on inequalities, economic growth, decent jobs, energy, climate change, and peace and justice, among others.
I believe we will achieve substantial results by taking on the many interconnected challenges we face together. Taking action to achieve the Global Goals and building greater shared prosperity is in everybody’s best interest and provides enormous investment opportunities that will benefit all people and the planet. Success in this new ambitious agenda for global action will be driven by leaders, governments and people, especially at the local levels. The Goals should matter to all of us, and we all have a shared responsibility for our future.
Let’s focus on our shared problems and work on overcoming the common problems all countries face. With new, interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that apply to all, we can go much further to end all forms of poverty, ensure no one is left behind, tackle unsustainable practices and chart a dignified future for all people in all countries.
UNDP stands ready to support the Government of Tanzania as it develops its plans for making the SDGs a reality. We will work closely with the government, private sector, civil society and many other partners in Tanzania to strive to achieve lasting results for people and planet.
Statement by Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, United Nations Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative.
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