FG Calls for Full Integration of SDGs into Development Plans The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed the necessity of embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all levels of development planning rather than treating them as isolated projects. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), emphasized this during the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe. The event was part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR), set to be presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York in July 2025. Speaking through her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr. Bala Yunusa, she highlighted that the HLPF serves as a global assessment platform for tracking the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, currently conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and strategies for advancing SDG implementation. A statement from her Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen, underscored the urgent need to accelerate progress on the SDGs. According to the 2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report: The slow progress in Nigeria has been attributed to financial constraints, lingering insecurity, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening Collaboration for SDG Acceleration Orelope-Adefulire called for stronger Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) systems, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track and enhance implementation efforts. She stressed the need for collaboration among key players, including government agencies, the UN Development System, donor organizations, academia, and civil society, to ensure no one is left behind. Referencing the Pact for the Future adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly, she reaffirmed the commitment of world leaders to bold and ambitious actions for achieving SDG targets. She also echoed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive transformations in critical sectors such as food security, energy access, and digital connectivity (source). Key Takeaways from the North-East Regional Consultation The consultation in Gombe gathered 150 participants from six states to discuss: Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki, described the event as a crucial platform for shaping Nigeria’s upcoming VNR. He encouraged stakeholders to actively contribute to ensure that the review reflects both achievements and ongoing challenges. “This consultation reaffirms our commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and science-driven solutions for the 2030 Agenda,” Turaki stated. He urged participants to propose practical strategies for improving sustainable development efforts across the North-East region. With Nigeria actively engaging in multi-stakeholder dialogues and refining its approach to SDG implementation, the government’s emphasis on integrating these goals into long-term national and regional policies is expected to drive meaningful progress towards the 2030 Agenda. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The G20 summit concluded its second and final day in Rio de Janeiro, grappling with pressing global challenges like climate change, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and economic instability. The event also underscored political uncertainties tied to Donald Trump’s impending return to the U.S. presidency in January. Lula’s Victory Against Hunger Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, hosting the summit, achieved a significant milestone on the first day by rallying 82 nations to join a newly launched Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. This initiative, aligned with Lula’s social priorities, was seen as a major success for his left-leaning administration. U.S. Leadership in Transition U.S. President Joe Biden represented America at the summit but faced diminished influence as Trump’s return loomed. Biden notably missed the leaders’ group photo on the first day and took a backseat in discussions. The joint summit declaration, released Monday, fell short of resolving key disagreements tied to COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan. Leaders acknowledged the need for “trillions” in financing for climate resilience but stopped short of specifying funding mechanisms. Rising Global Tensions The summit took place against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned of a “new period of turbulence,” urging restraint in ongoing wars, including Ukraine. European Council President Charles Michel echoed this sentiment, describing the world as being “on a knife edge.” In response to Russia’s use of North Korean troops in Ukraine, Biden reversed U.S. policy, allowing Ukraine to deploy long-range missiles capable of striking Russian territory. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, representing his country instead of President Vladimir Putin, warned of potential retaliation. While the summit welcomed initiatives for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, it avoided direct mention of Russian aggression. Middle East Conflicts Draw Focus The crisis in the Middle East also dominated discussions. The G20 leaders called for “comprehensive ceasefires” in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and humanitarian aid. Taxing the Ultra-Wealthy In addition to security concerns, Lula pushed for social reforms, securing a commitment to tax ultra-wealthy individuals effectively. The summit pledged to curb tax evasion and devise new mechanisms to ensure compliance. However, this proposal faced opposition from Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, a Trump ally. Milei also resisted measures to regulate social media content and promote gender inclusivity but did not block the overall summit declaration. Looking Ahead The G20 summit highlighted the growing complexities of global governance amidst economic and geopolitical instability. As leaders departed Rio, the looming return of Trump and the unresolved climate finance deadlock underscored the challenges awaiting future summits. READ ALSO:
