United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative for Jamaica, Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos and Cayman Islands, Dr. Elsie Laurence-Chounoune (centre), converses with Custos Rotulorum for Portland, Hon. Lincoln Thaxter (right), during the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) second Dialogue for Development Lecture Series at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Port Antonio on Tuesday, October 31. At left is the PIOJ’s Senior Director for Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Communication, Marcia Blake Hall. The forum was held under the theme: ‘The Jamaica We Want: Vision 2030 Jamaica… advancing the SDGs… leaving no one behind’.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative in Jamaica, Dr. Elsie Laurence-Chounoune, says the organisation remains committed to supporting the country’s quest to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs are part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the General Assembly in September 2015. It emphasises a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all.
Noting that the SDGs, to which Jamaica is a signatory, are consistent with the country’s Vision 2030 – National Development Plan, Dr. Laurence-Chounoune said the targets articulated under both can be achieved, “if we collectively work to make it happen”.
“It is a matter of political, personal and collective will combined with human, technical and financial resources appropriately (deployed) that will make a difference,” she contended.
She was speaking at the second Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Dialogue for Development Lecture Series at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Port Antonio, Portland, on Tuesday, October 31.
Dr. Laurence-Chounoune highlighted several imperatives, which she said are necessary to facilitate Jamaica’s attainment of Developed Country status by 2030 and, in the process, achieve its full potential under the SDG Agenda.
These, she said, include addressing issues relating to development, including the needs of the vulnerable and marginalised; involving the full range of stakeholders in national and local development; instituting measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and other natural hazards on development; and investing in systems and building capacities for tracking progress on the SDGs.
“Most importantly, we must ensure that no one is left and that those furthest behind are reached first,” she added.
Dr. Laurence-Chounoune said the Dialogue for Development Series is an important platform for engaging the public on development issues, and lauded the PIOJ for spearheading the initiative.
“I encourage you (to continue) along this path of public education, as you seek to enable Jamaicans to own (the process), in making Jamaica the place to live, work, raise families, do business, and retire happily in paradise. The UNDP is a proud partner of Jamaica and will continue to support (the country) in achieving the global agenda, at all levels,” she added.
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are focused on 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 inequality; 11) sustainable cities and communities; 12) responsible consumption and production; 13) climate action; 14) life below water; 15) life on land; 16) peace and justice-strong institutions; 17) and partnership to achieve the goals.
The Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan, seeks to reposition the island to achieve developed country status and, in the process, make it the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.
Source: Jamaica Information Service