UN member states warn funding shortfall threatening 2030 SDGs

The United Nations member states have warned that the 2030 sustainable development goals might be unattainable over funding shortfall and a global climate crisis that left more than 6,000 people reported early or missing in Nepal flash floods and a looming deadly heatwave.

Nepal representative warned that the UN was “far from achieving the 2030 Agenda” pegging the cost of tackling social and economic disasters at over $2.3 trillion.

At the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee (Economic and Financial) concluded its debate on sustainable development, 

The representative of Nepal warned that the world was “Far from achieving the 2030 Agenda,” with the economic and social cost of disasters exceeding $2.3 trillion annually.

Nepal alone would gulp $5 billion to reconstruct fallen facilities and infrastructure damaged in the flash floods. He urged member states to fulfil official development assistance (ODA) commitments.

Pakistan’s envoy said developing nations which contribute less than one per cent to global greenhouse-gas emissions would bear the burden of the climate change caused by other nations.

Iceland’s delegate said though climate change continues “to undermine progress towards sustainable development,” member states must not be discouraged.

“We must strengthen our resolve to protect our planet, support those on the front lines of the climate crisis and honour our commitments under the Paris Agreement,” she said, adding “The health of our oceans remains a priority for Iceland.” 

The representative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) advocated “investment in clean energy,” noting “renewables, electrification and energy efficiency can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and exposure to volatile international energy markets — strengthening resilience, competitiveness and economic security.”