United Nations (UN) officials commended the Marcos administration on Friday for pushing for progress and modernization, particularly the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at ending poverty, protecting the environment and ensuring peace and prosperity.
“I would like to commend the leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government, definitely to bringing the realities of the development to the eyes of the United Nations,” UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González said during the Philippine Mayors Forum in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Quezon City.
“As I always say, the United Nations we know is not a bilateral partner; it’s a multilateral partner. And you are part of the United Nations. So, in some way, we are part of your teams. We are part of your team so my first message is: make the most of the United Nations because we are here to support your work,” González said.
González said most of the SDGs have direct relevance to cities and municipalities and in fact, around two-thirds of all targets of the SDGs are expected to be met.
Highlighting the importance of local government units (LGUs) under the supervision of the interior department, González said they are closer to the level where actions are more likely to produce tangible results and even more responsive and inclusive process.
He described the LGUs as the first responders in challenging situations, wherein success is tailor-made by responses.
The UN official also commended the Philippines for appointing two experts to the first advisory board on local governance set up by the UN Secretary-General.
“This is a demonstration that you are already championing on local governance and, of course, I suggest that you make the most of these two representatives, both of them, they have strong experience, of course, in local governance,” Gonzalez said, noting they will advising the Secretary-General local governance for the upcoming summit of the UN next year in New York.
He also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to support local governance and decentralization, which is now clearly reflected in the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks from 2024 to 2028 signed recently in the presence of President Marcos.
Meanwhile, UN Governance and Public Administration Expert Ana Thorlund commended the DILG for organizing the forum with the United Nations.
“This Mayors Forum is a clear signal that the Philippines recognized the road to sustainable development goals through the cities and towns of this country, many islands. We have come together to disclose how we can follow up on the commitment’s made by the world leaders including His Excellency President Marcos at the Summit hosted last month at the UN General Assembly in New York,” Thorlund said.
“The formula for success includes the ingredients that we are [discussing] in this forum. Good governance, innovation and digital transformation, enhanced partnership between local authorities and the United Nations in the Philippines, sustainable urban development – these are vital to build resilience in the face of mounting challenges.”
The DILG is holding the Philippine Mayors Forum in collaboration with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event is aimed at highlighting the vital role of the LGUs in the attainment of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
It is designed to empower LGUs as allies of the government while also emphasizing their critical contribution to the implementation of SDGs towards achieving Ambisyon Natin 2040.
The localization of the SDGs is vital being at the core of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, based on the Marcos administration’s eight-point socio-economic agenda. PND
