UN in PH reiterates commitment to 'leave no one behind' in achieving SDGs

The United Nations (UN) in the Philippines on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to the country that it would "leave no one behind" in its mission to achieve the 2024-2028 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

In celebration of United Nations Month this October, the commitment of UN Member States lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda and is fundamental to ensuring that every Filipino experiences the benefits of sustainable development.

At the media briefing in Mandaluyong City, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez on Tuesday said the country office is working closely with the Philippine government, various agencies, and the private sector to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"This celebration of UN Month is not just an opportunity for us to share what we are doing in the country–it is a call to action following the recently concluded Summit of the Future held in New York last September. During that once-in-a-generation gathering of the world's leaders, they committed to bold new solutions to the polycrises we currently face, but it will take our collective efforts to realize this vision of a more inclusive and more sustainable future," said UN in the Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.

He also emphasized that the world is faced with growing global conflicts and wars, making the UN in the Philippines' commitment even more relevant in ensuring that development is felt equitably by all sectors of society.

The organization also seeks to combat rising discrimination, exclusionary policies and practices, and increasing violence—all of which challenge achievements in the areas of sustainable development, gender equality, and peace.

Among the priority groups of the UN in the Philippines are:

• Indigenous People
• Residents in vulnerable locations
• Forcibly displaced persons
• Stateless persons and populations at risk of statelessness
• People living with HIV/AIDS
• Conflict-affected communities
• Specific categories of children
• Specific categories of women/girls
• Older persons
• Disaster survivors
• Specific categories of workers
• Street dwellers/persons living in the street
• LGBTQI+ persons
• People deprived of liberty
• People who use drugs are at risk of using drugs or are accused of using drugs
• Human rights defenders and, humanitarian activists/advocates, and workers
• BBM admin's 'genuine, global ambition'

PH 'strong political will'

Gonzales also noted that UN in the Philippines' "dialogue and cooperation with the government is happening in a more predictable manner," which, he said, is great as they have a common agenda.

"The Philippines has a strong political will and strong policy body in place. The accessibility of the UN to the decision-makers is remarkable. We also have a dynamic dialogue, as we agreed on the agenda. You see, in this administration, there is a genuine global ambition," he added.

During last year's signing of the UNSDCF for 2024-2028, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the Philippines' advocacy for the rule of law and peace would further pave the way for improved engagement with the United Nations.

Further, the organization stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic gravely impacted access to human rights, hindering the socioeconomic status and the well-being of millions worldwide, reversing advances towards gender equality, straining social and economic systems, and thwarting progress towards achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the LNOB commitment.

Rethink, adapt

With this, it said the next cooperation framework should rethink its governance system to adapt better to unpredictability and change.

This month, the UN in the Philippines will launch a series of events as a global call to take decisive action and follow up on the SDGs with the theme, "One Common Future, One Common Agenda."

From regional conferences, forums, and observance of international days, the country office will gather national and local players, academe, the private sector, and financial institutions to strategize on various development issues.

To kick off the celebration, the globe landmark of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) will be illuminated with the iconic blue of the United Nations during ceremonial lighting on Oct. 1, Tuesday, which will be attended by the UN Country Team in the Philippines, and partners from government, and the private sector.

The SM MOA Globe will feature images and slogans from the United Nations' Act Now campaign. It will be lit up in the colors of the SDGs, together with information on progress on the Goals and tips on small but impactful changes that each individual can make.

The UN Month 2024 activities will also celebrate the first year of implementation of the 2024-2028 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework that guides the UN's work to support the Philippines in achieving its national development priorities. — VDV, GMA Integrated News