Sustainable Development & Sustainable Peace are Interlinked, Says G77

By an IPS Correspondent Reprint | | Print |

UNITED NATIONS, Feb 27 2017 - Speaking during the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Dialogue on Sustainable Peace, G77 chair Ambassador Horacio Sevilla Borja, Permanent Representative of Ecuador, said the overarching objective of eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions remains the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.

“We reaffirm our commitment to work tirelessly for the full implementation of this Agenda by 2030 in a balanced and integrated manner to achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the G77, joined by China, Ambassador Sevilla Borja called on the international community to address the challenges and needs faced by developing countries, especially countries in special situations.

He specifically singled out the economic plight of many African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states.

He also said there were specific challenges facing many middle-income countries, including countries with conflict and post-conflict situations, and countries and peoples living under foreign and colonial occupation.

“We underscore the message of SDG16 that development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”

The theme of the High-Level Dialogue was: “Building Sustainable Peace for All: Synergies Between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustaining Peace.”

The year 2016 marked the first year of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the “Charter of Algiers”, the first platform of the G-77 calling for joint efforts by developing countries towards economic and social development, peace and prosperity.

Ever since, the Group has called for joint efforts of developing countries to advance socio-economic development in tandem with the promotion of peace.

“It is fundamental to adopt a holistic approach to sustainable development that is people-centered and inclusive, leaving no one behind,” the Ambassador said.

The Group of 77, joined by China, welcomes the progress made by Member States in their national implementation, but stresses that implementing the 2030 Agenda at all levels requires a revitalized global partnership and the full implementation of SDG 17, he added.

In this context, enhancing support to developing countries is fundamental, including through provision of development financial resources, transfer of technology on favorable terms including on concessional and preferential terms, enhanced international support and targeted capacity-building and promoting a just and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system.

The Group reaffirms that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and that peace and security will be at risk without sustainable development.

The least developed countries in conflict and post-conflict situations and those experiencing political instability have specific structural challenges and require context-specific approaches.

The Group took note of the principles set out in the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States by the Group of Seven Plus, countries that are or have been, affected by conflict.

“We are encouraged by the recent positive achievements on the efforts on peaceful resolution of complex conflicts in Africa, as well as for the general understanding to adequately resort to preventive diplomacy as a mean to avert conflicts before its outbreak”, Ambassador Sevilla Borja declared.

Sustainable development is a prerequisite to sustainable peace. Investment in development is the most cost-effective approach to achieving a sustainable peace because socio-economic disparity and grievances are causes of conflict. Sustainable peace is not possible without sustainable development and vice versa, he added.