APD | Trade unions’ participation in Sustainable Development Goals needed

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development acknowledges the important role of the entire society, ranging from the government, the business sector, academe, the general public, and trade unions in the successful implementation of the SDGs,” thus said Director Maryanne E. R. Darauay of the Philippine Government’s National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Speaking before participants to an international forum entitled “A South-South Learning Exchange and Training Workshop” before midday today at Makati Diamond Residences, this city.

Quoting from the 2030 Agenda which underscores the need to end poverty and hunger and combat inequalities within and among countries, for a peaceful, just and inclusive societies, Director Darauay said the development objectives can only be achieved through the partnership and collaboration of stakeholders which include trade unions.

She emphasized the need to do the Voluntary National Review which is a follow-up and review mechanism of the United Nations on the Sustainable Development Goals.

“States conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress made at the national and sub-national levels,” Darauay added. She explained the VNR seeks to facilitate the sharing of experiences, challenges and lessons learned in the planning, monitoring, and implementation of the 2030 Agenda hoping to accelerate the attainment of the global goals.

Speaking about the Philippine experience, Director Darauay said aside from consulting each labor group, they also consulted workers from the informal sector which include unorganized tricycle drivers.

“It is through these consultations that we, as government, learn and adjust,” she added.

The four-day workshop brought together delegates form Ghana, Moldova, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Namibia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, among others.

（ASIA PACIFIC DAILY）