UN official: PH has potential to meet 17 SDGs, needs int’l support

The United Nations (UN) is optimistic that the Philippines could meet all the 17 Sustainable Goals and Development (SDG) which seek to bring peace and prosperity among the member states. 

The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, consist of 17 aims that the intergovernmental organization hopes to have made at least considerable headway in by 2030:

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and economies
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnership for the goals

The Philippines ranked 92nd out of 167 countries when it comes to meeting the SDG score—one of the lowest ranking Southeast Asian countries. 

But UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed said that the Philippines is not the only country that is having a hard time meeting the SDGs, citing factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

“The world is not doing well. It's not just the Philippines. We have a terrible score of 17% of the SDGs globally,” said Mohammed in Pia Arcangel’s exclusive report in “24 Oras.” 

“What has really constrained countries for not achieving the SDGs has been the international finance,” she added. “I see the potential for the Philippines to do much better. But it needs also the support of the international community.” 

The UN official is confident that the Philippines can meet its SDGs. 

“I’m very optimistic that you will go far. There are a number of challenges that you have ahead, reforms have to be owned and they have to be consolidated upon. It's important that we look at all the communities,” said Mohammed. 

The UN is celebrating its 79th founding anniversary this year. While many countries believe in its capabilities, some nations question the institution’s effectiveness. 

But the UN remains steadfast about the organization’s relevance. 

“Multilateralism still works, and it's still very important to our global family...being able to have a voice for their concerns, for the opportunities, for the challenges, a space where there is a light on all issues,” said Mohammed. 

“Without us having that space to continue to try to do that, it would be much worse.” — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News