Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me first of all extend my deep appreciation to our generous host, the Government of Uganda.
My profound thanks to the honourable President for his stewardship and to the Prime Minister for his personal engagement.
The Uganda High-level Symposium offered an excellent space to reflect on development cooperation for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.
During the past two days, what struck me most was your eagerness to learn, keenness to share and your readiness to take action. The spirit of learning, sharing and delivering results is critical for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
I will not attempt to summarize your rich discussions, but rather share some personal reflections with you. My team will prepare a summary of the discussions, which will be circulated. My main takeaways can be summarized in seven key words, namely, vision, prioritization, coordination, localization, integration, innovation, and sustainability.
Let me explain the seven key words.
First, vision. Leadership and vision are key. Every country has to define their own long-term vision and use the SDGs as a facilitator for achieving it.
Second, prioritization. The implementation of the various aspects of the 2030 Agenda began well before the adoption of the Agenda. But, the new agenda offers a systematic and holistic framework of reference for countries to define their own priorities based on local conditions. Countries need to make ambitious and pragmatic evidence-based decisions regarding the prioritization and sequencing of actions in pursuit of the SDGs.
Third, coordination. Silos need to be broken down. Governments should re-adjust and reform, when and where necessary, the existing administrative structure, and strengthen the coordination, including setting up a national coordination mechanism. Uganda, in this regard, has started their efforts well in advance.
Fouth, localization. Public awareness and buy-in drives the needed policy change at the national level. The complexity and breadth of the 2030 Agenda will require localization of the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda, incorporating them into national development plans or strategies, whenever possible.
Fifth, integration.The 2030 Agenda elevated the importance of policy coherence. Integration implies vastly different policy frameworks, policies, institutions and capacities. Development cooperation partners need to take a holistic approach to their partnerships, pursuing policies in different sectors that are complementary rather than contradictory.
Sixth, innovation.The 2030 Agenda is new to all of us. There is no paved way to follow. Every country needs to find the solution that fits its ownnational context. This leaves space for innovation in policies, institutions and practices.
Last but not least, sustainability. The momentum for implementing the agenda should not wane with the change of government cycles. Involving all stakeholders in robust partnerships will build constituencies that do not change with government terms and make progress more sustainable in the longer-term.
Let me now turn to the role of development cooperation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Development cooperation still remains an essential element of global efforts to leave no one behind.
Development cooperation is the ¡°glue¡± that will hold together partners to realize the agenda.
This cooperation has to adapt and capture the new strands of development cooperation, including the private sector and other relevant stakeholders. Development cooperation should focus on supporting the exchange of knowledge and access to knowledge which can have a catalytic effect.
Development cooperation is also uniquely positioned to drive technology transfer, capacity building and innovation.
Looking ahead, the DCF will create space for knowledge sharing on country experiences as well as specific goals. Towards that end, the Forum needs to remain the space for frank policy dialogue and it should maintain its distinct role.
Ladies and Gentleman,
The 2030 Agenda reflects our collective commitment. The achievement of the SDGs cannot be built on unfulfilled promises. The new agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda provide a multi-layered web of tools and platforms for follow-up and review of progress. Existing national and regional tools for follow-up and review need to adapt to the new agenda. Effective linkages should be made between these and the global level platforms.
The last two days have shown that open exchange about development cooperation is the very foundation of the revitalization of the global partnership for sustainable development and the effective implementation of the sustainable development goals. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs is ready to support you in your endeavours.
Let me now end by expressing my special thanks to the team of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Mr. Navid Hanif and his team for their strong commitment in the organisation of this event.
I also would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Oh Joon, President of ECOSOC, for his personal engagement, guidance and leadership.
My gratitude also goes to all our moderators, presenters and panellists, and in particular our Master of Ceremony, Dr. Ronnie Mich Egwang.They have guided us throughout the discussion. I think this symposium was a crucial first step for the international community to inquire critical means of implementation.
Have a safe journey home.
Thank you.