On 5-6 February, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) held a seminar focusing on means of implementation of the environmental dimension of the 2030Agenda with members of the Palestinian technical task force in charge of coordinating the implementation of environment related SDGs and the Environment Quality Authority of Palestine.
The Executive Director of ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC), Ms Reem Nejdawi, highlighted the importance of integrating the three economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainable development within the SDGs but stressed that focus was made on the environmental dimension “to ensure that it is not overlooked among the development competing demands.”
Countries are committed to report on progress made on implementation of SDGs through the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and in 2018, Palestine presented its report at the annual High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. “ESCWA is keen on maintaining its support to Palestinians in their pursuit of sustainable development,” Ms. Nejdawi underscored.
“We are happy that participants are really diverse given that the environmental dimension is almost cross-cutting,” she added.
The seminar touched on global, regional and national frameworks and trends on environmental SDG targets and indicators, presented case studies, discussed challenges, and showcased tools and approaches to better monitor the progress achieved.
“It was a great opportunity for me to participate in this seminar, and I gained more knowledge about SDGs in general and the environment related ones in particular,” said Yusrea Thaher, member of the Working Group Specialized in SDGs who participated on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government.
“Many issues related to SDGs have become clearer to me and will help me make more efficient follow up. I especially learned how to deal with the limited data available to make analyses, how to reflect results in plans and strategies and how to benefit from other countries experiences,” she added.
SDGs related to environment include food security and water, energy and climate action, sustainable cities and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, ocean and terrestrial biodiversity.
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For more information:
-Nabil Abu-Dargham, Head, ESCWA Communication and Information Unit,
+961-70-993-144; email: dargham@un.org
-Ms Rania Harb, Public Information Assistant, +961-70-008-879; email: harb1@un.org
