Sustainable Development Goals: Voluntary National Review

Rory Stewart Excerpts

Wednesday 26th June 2019 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for International Development (Rory Stewart)]

The Government have today published the United Kingdom’s first voluntary national review of progress towards the sustainable development goals (also known as the global goals). We are proud of what we have achieved but humbled by what we have not. It is not an end in itself but rather has taught us about what we must do better. It balances achievements with shortcomings and, most importantly, outlines next steps.

In September 2015, the 193 member states of the United Nations agreed the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, including the 17 global goals (the goals). This ambitious agenda sets out the framework through which the world will work together to combat the most pressing challenges of our time, including eradicating extreme poverty, ending hunger, protecting our environment and breaking down gender barriers. These goals apply to all people in all countries, including here in the UK.

The goals are not just about doing more, they are about protecting what we have: protecting the environment, protecting heritage, protecting communities, protecting health and wellbeing, protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, and protecting our planet.

Our voluntary national review sets out the collective efforts of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the goals since their adoption in 2015. It covers domestic and international work across all 17 goals, with a focus on the domestic. It has been produced through collaboration with, and input from, numerous UK Government Departments and the devolved Administrations. Additionally, over 380 organisations from civil society, the private sector and faith groups, as well as many individuals, have been engaged.

While we have made significant progress and have strong foundations on which to build, there is more work to do if we are to meet the ambitious targets by 2030.

Conducting our voluntary national review has further deepened our respect and understanding of the global goals and stiffened our resolve to leave no one behind. I am grateful to all those who contributed to the review. Electronic copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The review is available at www.gov.uk/ sustainabledevelopmentgoals

[HCWS1660]