At the United Nations meeting on the Commission of Social Development, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Hon. Betty Amongi has emphasized the need to refocus and reaffirm efforts to leave no one behind, a principle that is fundamental to the achievement of sustainable development.
She asserted the need for disaggregated data as the first step to social inclusion; as well as leveraging local actions as critical to leaving no one behind.
"The central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs is to “leave no one behind” (LNOB); It thus, requires an unequivocal commitment by UN Member States to not only eradicate poverty, but to end discrimination and exclusion along the lines of race, gender, and other layers of identity. It also includes a commitment to mitigate inequalities that leave people behind and ultimately undermine the future of sustainable development;" Amongi noted while addressing members states during a panel presentation.
She underscored the challenges of rising inequalities globally, noting that with five years left in the 2030 Agenda, renewing national and global commitment through reforming international financial architecture is critical for developing countries to meet their commitments.
She noted the urgency of identifying who is being left behind, to what degree, and why Prioritizing the most vulnerable is critical. "You can’t monitor and improve what you don’t track. So, disaggregated data is the first step to inclusion." She called on member states to collect disaggregated data to aid planning.
She noted that determining who is left behind and to what degree requires advanced statistical and research capabilities, which many cities, states, and countries do not possess, calling for investment in skilled experts, while also integrating the knowledge and expertise of local and Indigenous communities. Identifying the immediate, underlying, and root causes of why people are left behind also necessitates historical and cultural understanding. Furthermore, an intersectional lens is needed to fully understand how compounding levels of disadvantage work together and to emphasize and include the experiences of women and girls of color.
Amongi said in addition to building technical capacity, it is equally important to strengthen the ability to promote inclusion and accountability among stakeholders.
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Localizing LNOB.
While the SDGs are global, she said, they cannot be achieved without the active engagement of local citizens and governments. Localization takes into account the specific needs and contexts of various cities and regions. She added in effect, leveraging local action is critical to leaving no one behind.
By 2050, she added, two out of every three people will live in a city. Cities are, therefore, uniquely positioned to help those who are the furthest behind. Local governments provide essential goods and services, such as education, housing, public transport, clean water, clean air, and affordable energy, that enable communities to grow and thrive. She said they tend to be more aware and sensitive to the priorities of the communities they serve and more adapt at translating them into tight budgets and development projects.
"Localization also enhances the participation of communities in decision making and partnerships. And few know the needs, aspirations, and necessary investments of an underserved community better than local community members and leaders," she said
She concluded by asserting that achieving the SDGs requires more than aspiration. It demands action rooted in equity, driven by data, and powered by the collective will of governments, communities, institutions, and individuals alike.
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