By Sue-Ann Wayow
GOVERNMENT continues to remain committed to achieving its sustainable development goals (SDG) by 2030 although the possibilities appear bleak.
Minister of Planning and Development Pennelope Beckles speaking at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit Leaders’ Dialogues said the SDGs were even more crucial now.
The Dialogues were part of the 78th United Nations General Assembly being held in New York and are attended by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and other Cabinet Ministers.
Speaking on Monday to the United Nations Trusteeship Council, Beckles said, “The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has committed itself towards the full and effective implementation of this blueprint for the benefit of all our peoples; a commitment that remains resolutely embedded in our national development strategy, Vision 2030.”
She spoke about Government’s achievements in certain areas such as the establishment of the Ministry of Digital Transformation to accelerate the national strategy towards building a digital society that is people-centered and knowledge-based under the theme, “Building Resilience and Leaving No one Behind,”
Beckles said, “Despite significant progress in these areas, for small island developing states like Trinidad and Tobago, we remain trapped in a maze of compound risks and exogenous shocks.
“It is our hope that the elaboration of a new global development framework for SIDS at the Fourth International Conference next year will concretely and definitively address our needs and priorities, reinforce resilience, and guide long-lasting development progress for SIDS.”
She said, “We are at half-time, and we need a very strong, determined and highly motivated second half.”
Beckles is also supported at the UNAG by Head Multilateral Environmental Agreements Unit responsible for climate change Kishan Kumarsingh and Project Manager, Sustainable Development Goals Unit Kennethia Douglas.
The ministry also commended the selection of Trinidad and Tobago’s Dennis Francis to the UNAG presidency.
The ministry stated, “The Presidency of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations General Assembly presents an important opportunity to elevate the profile of Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage as a responsible, reliable and active participant in the framing of international policy at the United Nations.
“Holding the Presidency not only places Trinidad and Tobago at the very centre of the world stage, but gives a great vantage point for this country to widen and deepen its contacts to help drive its social and economic transformation.”
