Make genuine commitment towards transformational change
-UN Resident Coordinator admonishes Government of Liberia
By Lincoln G. Peters
United Nations Resident Coordinator to Liberia, Ms. Christine Umutonia has admonished the Government of Liberia to make more genuine commitment towards transformational change across the country.
Speaking over the weekend in Monrovia, the UN envoy said Liberia has made modest progress that has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index.
According to her, Liberia has made some structural and socio-economic reforms implemented by the government, and supported by partners.
But, Ms. Umutonia noted that there is a need for Liberia to make more commitment toward transformational change.
“There is a need for Liberia to make more commitment towards transformational change. Liberia has made some structural and social-economic reforms supported by its partners but, that is not enough. The government needs to create a transformational change”, she added.
Ms. Umutonia indicated that Liberia has committed to the SDGs domestication and developed the SDGs domestication Roadmap as well as the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, which is a good start, but not enough to make progress in achieving the SDGs.
Meanwhile, the UN diplomat commended the government and all Liberians for maintaining 20 years of peace, and for committing to peaceful democratic elections in October 2023.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]
According to her, commitment to maintaining the peace of Liberia is a fundamental building block for sustainable development.
“The SDGs are about peace, the planet, people, prosperity, and partnership. It is about how we invest in human security so that people can have greater choices, and freedom from fears, wants, and indignity. We loud the government for its determination and desire to join the rest of the world to launch a new global acceleration and transformation commitment for the SDGs, as the world finds itself off track to meet the SDGs.” She added
In furtherance, she said Liberia has responded to the UN Secretary-General’s call for world leaders to help deliver a ‘Rescue Plan for People and Planet’ at the 2023 SDG Summit which is slated for 18-19 September 2023.
She noted particularly that the dedication of the country to preparing for the global summit is in addition to contributions made to the political declaration, stating that it will announce national commitments to drive SDG transformation in years ahead. Editing by Jonathan Browne
