11 Apr 2022

The second global webinar on voluntary national reviews has been hailed as an important platform for countries to exchange notes and experiences in preparation for the July forum where they will report progress made towards realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Officially opening the webinar in Gaborone yesterday, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Lemogang Kwape said the programme would enrich participating countries’ input towards addressing the SDGs.

“The platform offers you an opportunity to share valuable lessons and exchange best practices,” he said.

Dr Kwape noted that the webinar came at the time when COVID-19 had resulted in challenges that widened inequalities between nations and within countries, exposing socio-economic systems weaknesses and threatening progress already made towards achieving the SDGs.

He urged countries to reflect on the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

On the side of Botswana, Dr Kwape reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the agenda saying it was determined not to leave anyone behind by giving priority to the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Botswana’s permanent representative to the UN and United Nations Economic and Social Council president, Mr Collen Kelapile concurred with other speakers that the reviews were conducted when the world was struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

Ambassador Kelapile said the July forum, where countries would present their reviews at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development, was crucial for giving political insight and guidance on how to recover better and sustainably from the pandemic.

He also advocated for sound policies and equal access to financial resources for advanced implementation of SDGs.

Ambassador Kelapile said the reviews entailed an in-depth assessment of SDGs on inclusive and equitable quality education, gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, life under water, life on land and on partnerships for goals.

The review would take into account the impact of COVID-19 across all the goals, he explained.

Noting that the webinar was held against the backdrop of a difficult and complex political situation emanating from the war in Ukraine, he said beyond the threat it had caused to international cooperation and security, it had far-reaching global consequences including disruption to essential commodities’ supply chains and the resultant pressure on economies.

Without freedom, peace and stability efforts aimed toward sustainable development would be futile, Ambassador Kelapile said.

The workshop is held under the theme: Building back better from the coronavirus while advancing full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. ENDS