National efforts vital to ensure effective implementation of Global Goals, UN chief says in Tajikistan

Highlighting the integrated, indivisible and universal nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all stakeholders around the world to work together to ensure the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are brought to life.

“We need the engagement of all stakeholders – governments, private sector, civil society, academia, citizens and international community,” said the Secretary-General at a conference on strengthening partnerships for achieving sustainable development, held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.

In particular, he called for innovative ways to mobilize resources and develop cooperation across all platforms.

“I am pleased to see that today's conference includes a special session devoted to discussion of innovative partnerships […] we need to work together to raise awareness, promote engagement and encourage participation and accountability at all levels,” he added.

In his remarks, the UN chief also underscored the challenges to sustainable development, such as food insecurity, lack of nutrition as well as those posed by climate change, and said that he welcomed the a focus on national and global experiences in addressing those, at the conference.

Further highlighting the importance of localizing the SDGs to ensure effective implementation, Mr. Guterres urged governments to impropriate SDG targets into national planning processes, policies and strategies, taking into account national realities.

Also, noting the efforts of Tajikistan particularly on raising the profile of importance of water for sustainable development, the Secretary-General said that the country can count on the UN system's continued full support.