The United Nations will have a strong monitoring and review system on progress and implementation stages of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be adopted in a special summit in New York on September 25-27, said one of its senior official, reports UNB.“We’ll have monitoring and review system which will provide everyone with data in a transparent manner,” said Thomas Gass, UN assistant secretary general (ASG) for policy coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), told media in a videoconference from New York on Wednesday night. A small group of media representatives, including from UNB, joined the videoconference, under the guidance of M Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of United Nations Information Centre in Dhaka. Margaret Novicki, chief of communication campaign service of DPI, moderated it from New York. Responding to a question, Thomas said the goal ‘16’ of the SDGs speaks to peaceful inclusive society, better access to justice and better governance. “This is a crucial goal and it was hotly debated.” He also said it is very important as the Agenda 2030 is being rolled out at national level that dialogue also speaks to these issues. “That is how it is going to happen. Progress is really achieved when people hold their leaders accountable.” The UN official said if any country wants to hide completely what is happening then the international committee can of course have access to that information. Responding to a question, Thomas said the private sector has played a very constructive role in the discussions and negotiations over the last 2-3 years. “Everybody should develop its own strategy for sustainable development and the private sector will play a crucial role.” Specifically on Bangladesh, he said sustainable decent works have to be created for male and female to eradicate poverty. “Building the economic resilient, getting private sector on board is very crucial.” The UN official also said the private sector these days is realizing at the global level that it has to participate in making the environment more stable. He said the companies know they have everything to gain from predictable and more level playing field. Describing the importance of the summit, the UN official said the world leaders are not coming here for celebrations rather they are coming here to promise to their people around the world. About the fund flow for the implementation process, Thomas said raising fund through domestic resources is very crucial. Responding to another question, the UN official said the UN will continue to support those countries who wish to get. “We’re strongly encouraging countries statistics offices to closely work with the civil society.” He also mentioned that there will be an annual programme in which countries will be able to make presentations on the progress on goals and targets of SDGs. Over 160 heads of state and government, together with leaders of civil society and the private sector, will gather at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York for the adoption of the new sustainable development agenda on September 25-27 September 2015. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to leave here for New York on September 23 to attend the summit and 70th UNGA. This bold and ambitious agenda aims to end poverty and promote prosperity and people’s well-being while protecting the environment over the next 15 years. The Summit represents a key milestone in this year of global action.
