QUEZON CITY — United Nations (UN) officials heaped praise on the Marcos administration for its commitment to advancing progress and modernization, with a particular focus on realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are designed to combat poverty, protect the environment, and foster peace and prosperity.
During the Philippine Mayors Forum held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González commended the leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government for making developmental realities more visible to the United Nations.
González emphasized the UN’s role as a multilateral partner, underlining the UN’s support for the administration’s work. He encouraged the government to capitalize on the resources and expertise offered by the UN.
He pointed out that a significant portion of the SDGs are directly related to cities and municipalities. Nearly two-thirds of the SDGs’ objectives are anticipated to be achieved, illustrating the relevance of local government units (LGUs) that are under the Interior Department’s jurisdiction.
González praised LGUs for their vital role as the first responders in challenging situations and highlighted their adaptability and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
In addition, González acknowledged the appointment of two experts from the Philippines to the UN Secretary-General’s first advisory board on local governance. He encouraged the government to maximize the expertise of these representatives, who will provide valuable insights on local governance during the UN’s upcoming summit in New York.
The UN remains committed to supporting local governance and decentralization, a commitment that was reaffirmed in the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks signed in the presence of President Marcos. These frameworks outline UN commitments from 2024 to 2028.
Ana Thorlund, a UN Governance and Public Administration Expert, commended the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for organizing the Mayors Forum. She noted that the forum signifies the Philippines’ recognition of the path to sustainable development through its cities and towns.
The Mayors Forum emphasizes the importance of good governance, innovation, digital transformation, enhanced partnerships between local authorities and the UN, and sustainable urban development in building resilience against mounting challenges.
The DILG, in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is organizing the Philippine Mayors Forum. The event aims to underscore the crucial role of LGUs in realizing the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and to empower LGUs as partners in achieving the government’s Ambisyon Natin 2040.
The localization of the SDGs is essential as it forms the core of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, aligned with the Marcos administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda. (Presidential News Desk)
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