WGS 2018: Global Policy Platform Explores Partnerships To Help Nations Achieve Successful SDG Implementation

 A high-level Global Policy Platform (GPP) panel engaged in a lively discussion on technology and partnerships that can help governments implement the sustainable development goals (SDG) on day one of the sixth World Government Summit (WGS 2018) in Dubai.

The panel discussion was titled “Innovative Partnerships to Sustain the Implementation of SDGs”. Panelists included Mahmoud Mohieldin, World Bank Group Senior Vice President for the 2030 Development Agenda, United Nations Relations, and Partnerships, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Indonesian Minister of Finance, Claire Melamed, Executive Director of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Imad N Fakhoury, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Sunny Verghese, Group Chief Executive Officer of Olam International, and Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme.

Fakhoury discussed how unseen circumstances and geopolitical challenges, such as the Syrian conflict and refugee displacement, have been weighing heavily on the development of Jordan. “No one could have designed a more disruptive set of factors to disrupt our developments”, he said.

Recognizing the importance of partnerships to support countries in their SDG implementation, Liu Zhenmin said: “Part of the SDGs is ensuring that we leave no country behind, not one of the 193 members of the UN. There is a pressing need for more forums and partnerships focusing on supporting small and developing countries with their SDG implementation, especially developing countries that are faced with unique situations.”