BY ALEX BALUKU
NEW YORK, USA, September 21, 2023 – In a poignant address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Uganda’s Vice President, H.E. (Major RTD) Jessica Alupo, highlighted the urgent need for a revitalized United Nations capable of addressing current and emerging global challenges.
Among the pivotal topics discussed, Vice President Alupo underscored Uganda’s unwavering commitment to the ambitious implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While recognizing the importance of reforming the United Nations Security Council to ensure greater representation, Vice President Alupo placed a significant emphasis on the 2030 Agenda as a cornerstone for global cooperation and progress.
Full Speech https://gadebate.un.org/en/78/uganda
Uganda has taken bold steps to accelerate the implementation of this transformative framework on a national level, demonstrating its dedication to the SDGs’ vision of a more equitable and sustainable world.
Uganda’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda is reflected in its vigorous efforts to make progress toward achieving the SDGs. Central to this commitment is the operationalization of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), a mechanism that allows local governments to assess and report on their contributions to the SDGs.
The annual national Sustainable Development Goals Conference, involving all stakeholders, plays a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s progress and ensuring comprehensive compliance with the SDGs.
One of the key elements of the 2030 Agenda is the call for shared responsibility and global partnership. During her address, Vice President Alupo reiterated Uganda’s dedication to working collaboratively with the entire United Nations membership to make the organization fit for purpose and relevant to contemporary challenges.
The SDGs serve as a roadmap for nations to address a wide array of global issues, from poverty and inequality to climate change and education. Uganda’s proactive approach to the 2030 Agenda reflects its commitment to sustainable development across sectors, emphasizing that the SDGs are not just a global framework but a blueprint for improving the lives of its citizens.
Through targeted policies and initiatives, Uganda aims to achieve the SDGs’ objectives by addressing the unique challenges facing its population. This includes measures to eradicate poverty, ensure quality education, provide universal healthcare, promote gender equality, and combat climate change, among others. Uganda recognizes that progress on these fronts is vital to creating a brighter future for its citizens and aligning with the global community’s pursuit of the SDGs.
In her address, Vice President Alupo also emphasized the importance of peace and security as fundamental to achieving sustainable development. She highlighted Uganda’s contributions to regional peace and security initiatives, acknowledging the essential role these efforts play in eliminating conditions that undermine development.
The Vice President’s message resonated with the international community, underlining the importance of aligning national and global agendas to ensure the well-being of present and future generations. Uganda’s dedication to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges and working in solidarity with the global community to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
As the UN General Assembly continues its deliberations, the world watches closely to see how nations will respond to Vice President Alupo’s call for renewed commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Uganda’s comprehensive approach to implementing this transformative framework serves as an inspiring example of how nations can work together to build a better world for all.