The United Nation Resident Coordinator in Liberia Christine N. Umutoni says the Government of Liberia, International and Local partners, must develop policies that reflect national commitment to the 2030 Agenda and focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Government-UN Strategic Policy Dialogue in Monrovia, Madam Umutoni said the global goals provide a comprehensive framework that transcends individual sectors and breaks silos, helping to take an integrated approach to development, a future where no one is left behind.
According to her, the path to achieving the 2030 Agenda has been hindered by intersecting crises, including climate change and geopolitical instability, hence only 17% of the targets are on trac and that’s why initiatives like the SDG Summit and the Pact for the Future offer pathways to accelerate progress.
Regionally, she said frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provide coordinated opportunities for growth.
The UN Resident Coordinator said during the validation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia’s 5-year National Development Plan (NDP), at a recent National Steering Committee, the UN understood that the country is at a pivotal moment in its development journey, with more than two decades of peace and democratic governance providing a foundation for inclusive progress and meaningful transformation.
She said the United Nations hopes to unpack the NDP which it understands is a bold vision to overcome challenges and maximize opportunities for sustainable development.
Madam Umutoni applauded Liberia’s achievements such as reducing maternal mortality by 31%, achieving gender parity in education, higher birth registration rates and committing to a 64% reduction in carbon emissions; a showcase for progress in some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We note progress in democracy, peaceful elections as well as including improved press freedom and commitments to more reforms in governance and accountability,” she said.
However, she said Liberia’s SDG Index score of 49.9 reveals critical gaps, including high poverty rates, gender inequality, and insufficient investments in agriculture and health; explaining that external shocks, from the COVID-19 pandemic to global economic disruptions, have further hampered progress.
The UN Resident Coordination disclosed that the objective of the dialogue is to identify priority areas that align with national development aspiration and ensure that strategies the UN jointly set are grounded in the needs and aspirations of the people of Liberia.
“It is essential that our discussions lead to actionable outcomes that will enhance governance, promote social equity, and stimulate economic growth as well as continue to foster transparency and accountability,” she said.
Madam Umutoni noted that the dialogue seeks to strengthen the Liberia-UN partnership and clearly understand the alignment of Liberia’s NDP implementation with the SDG six transition areas.
She said that the dialogue will help the UN to set strategic priorities for the next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure a clear implementation framework for joint action.
Madam Umutoni revealed that the United Nations remains a committed partner to Liberia, leveraging the expertise of 21 agencies, funds and programs operating in the country.
“This partnership prioritizes inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability. By fostering mutual accountability, enhancing monitoring systems, and emphasizing strategic coordination, the partnership aims to deliver tangible results for Liberia’s people. As this dialogue begins, it is essential to approach discussions with urgency and purpose, through open and constructive conversations,” the UN official said.
By Prince Saah
