Monitoring SDGs implementation important for MPs
Parliamentarians have a unique opportunity to support and monitor the SDGs implementation.
These were the comments by the Speaker Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni while co-chairing ‘Session 1 on Building Partnership for Future Development’ at the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) meeting on Human Development and Maritime Sustainability in the Republic of Indonesia.
Hon. Dr Luveni said Members of Parliament are uniquely positioned to act as an interface between the people and state institutions, and to promote and adopt people-centered policies and legislation to ensure that no one is left behind.
“In Fiji, Members of Parliament have been trained to be SDG literate and to monitor progress in the implementation of the SDGs through their oversight role in the Standing committees.”
“Any recommendations made are sent to the Executive and Parliament ensures that the Executive report back to Parliament on their implementation which is acknowledged by the Speaker in Parliament,” Hon. Dr Luveni said.
Speaker also highlighted that the aspiration of the Parliaments in the Pacific to achieve the Sustainable Pacific Society is in many ways similar to Indonesia’s four-pronged approach to development: pro-growth, pro-poor, pro-job, and pro-environment.
“We have strong reasons to strengthen relations and cooperation to address our common development challenges. In this regard, we must commit to intensifying the Indonesia-Pacific parliamentary cooperation in the area of common concerns and interests.”
“As archipelagic countries, it is our priority to work more closely to conserve and enhance our fisheries and marine resources.”
“Our countries are also prone to natural disasters – therefore, strengthening cooperation in disaster mitigation and management is important,” Hon. Dr Luveni added.
The meeting was opened yesterday by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Mr. Yusuf Kalla.
The Fijian delegation also consists of the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Hon. Joeli Cawaki and Opposition Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr Mere Samisoni.
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