SDGs 2030: Nigeria Calls For Urgent Action To Address Global South Development Challenges

New York, NY – Nigeria has issued a stark call for concrete action to address the mounting challenges hindering development in the Global South, particularly in Africa, during the Summit of the Future at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Speaking on behalf of his nation, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar highlighted the alarming reality of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda.

With a staggering 84% of the targets remaining unfulfilled, Minister Tuggar emphasised the urgent need for a shift in global commitments and a renewed focus on supporting sustainable development in the Global South.

“While we are optimistic about achieving the SDG targets, we must acknowledge the stark reality that only a small percentage are on track,” stated Minister Tuggar.

“The Global North must step up its support for sustainable development in the Global South. If we fail to meet the 2030 deadline, we strongly advocate for its extension.”

Minister Tuggar identified several key areas requiring immediate attention:

1. Reforming International Institutions:

• UN Security Council Reform: A permanent seat for Africa is crucial to ensure the continent’s voice is heard and its interests are prioritised.
• International Financial Architecture: Reform is needed to create a more inclusive, transparent, and non-discriminatory global trading system, including comprehensive debt relief measures.

2. Financing Development:

• Addis Ababa Action Agenda Commitments: Fulfillment of these commitments is essential to facilitating sustainable financing for development in the Global South.
• Local Production and Export: Support for local production and export from Africa is vital to foster economic growth and independence.
• Illicit Financial Flows: Strengthened measures are needed to ensure the timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets to Africa.
• UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation: Adoption of this framework is critical to prevent tax evasion and ensure African economies are not disadvantaged in global tax decision-making.

3. Addressing Climate Change:

• SDG Stimulus Proposal: Implementation of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal, which includes a $500 billion annual allocation for the Global South, is critical to accelerate sustainable development.
• Fossil Fuel Transition: Commitment to fossil fuel energy transition must be accompanied by consideration of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement, ensuring the Global North provides the necessary support to the Global South.
• Climate Loss and Damage Funds: Access to these funds is crucial for the Global South to address the devastating impacts of climate change.

4. Bridging the Digital Divide:

• Technology Sharing and Capacity Building: Sharing technology and capacity building in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

5. Addressing Cryptocurrency’s Impact:

• Common Understanding: The international community must develop measures to create a shared understanding of cryptocurrency’s significant impact on the global economy, including its links to transnational crime and money laundering.

“Nigeria remains committed to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development,” declared Minister I.

“We are confident that our collective resolve to accelerate the SDGs through the Pact for the Future will result in concrete measures and solutions to the challenges of the Global South, particularly Africa.”

The Nigerian Minister’s call for action comes at a pivotal moment, with the world facing a multitude of interconnected I.

His address serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for a global commitment to shared prosperity and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a better future.