Timor-Leste presents next July a progress report on the Sustainable Development Goals, with indications on the level of implementation of Agenda 2030 in our country. The report with the results of the National Voluntary Review (RNV) process on the current state of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in our country will be Timor-Leste’s contribution to the High-Level Political Forum, which will meet at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The government delegation to the High Level Political Forum will be composed of the Minister of Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs, Fidelis Magalhães, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dionísio Babo. Meanwhile the government has sent the United Nations eleven key-messages, which were endorsed by the Council of Ministers and underline Timor-Leste’s achievements as the youngest independent country in Asia. Those achievements are the result of national commitment to the processes of reconciliation and inclusion and democracy.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, who ordered the realization of the Voluntary National Review, said: “In the year of the 20th anniversary of the referendum, which led to the restoration of the nation’s independence, this review (VNR) provides an opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved by our still young democracy. It is also a opportunity to reflect on the challenges still facing our country and identify new partnerships where we can mobilise support and expertise to address those challenges. “
The VNR developed as part of a consultation process, led by the S.D.G.s Working Group, with representatives from the public sector, civil society, universities, the private sector, religious organizations and the National Parliament and its presentation in the High-level Political Forum will be an opportunity to show the achievements of Timor-Leste and identify areas in which the country needs additional assistance and partnerships to accelerate the progress of the Global Objectives by 2030.
RNV’s message is that “Timor-Leste has made a journey from the traumatic struggle for independence and a time of civil unrest and conflict to a democratic nation focused on state-building and accelerating progress in sustainable development. In this critical phase of state-building, it is vital to make the most of partnerships and carefully leverage national and international resources to finance sustainable development. “
The RNV final report should be finalized in June 2019. Following the submission of the Review, the ODS Working Group will continue to play an important role in monitoring progress towards the Global Objectives, ensuring on-going consultations with key stakeholders.