Pacific Parliamentarians discuss SDGs

A seminar on Implementing Sustainable Development Goals through a Human Rights Perspective for Pacific Parliaments is currently underway in Nadi for members of the Pacific Parliaments.

Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Hon. Dr Jiko Luveni, while opening the seminar encouraged parliamentarians not only to understand the SDGs, but promote greater awareness among themselves about the SDGs and how parliaments can contribute to their implementation.

“The SDGs are not issues that should be left to Governments alone. We, as Pacific Parliaments must and will play a key role in facilitating progress in achieving the SDGs,” Hon. Dr Luveni said.

“What transpires in the next three days will certainly enhance and strengthen your capacities and knowledge on SDGs which are of particular relevance to our region, such as those related to climate change, gender equality and social equity.”

Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament, Hon. Niki Rattle, said the seminar is a great learning opportunity for her and she found the discussions very stimulating in the sense that she is now more informed about SDGs and their purpose.

“Of particular interest to me is the integrating of the SDGs at national level especially in the areas of parliamentary interventions. In this regard, it’s been wonderful learning from the experts and I also benefitted tremendously from hearing about what our Pacific neighbours are doing in implementing the SDGs agenda.”

“In my view, our parliaments need to take immediate steps to sensitize all our parliamentarians on the important purposes of the SDGs and how these will contribute towards transforming our pacific nations. These actions need to be backed up by formal declarations of parliament’s support for the SDGs coupled with the establishment of appropriate baselines for our engagement and collaboration with stakeholders and constituents in building political and social support for the implementation of the SDGs in our respective countries,” Hon. Rattle added.

Meanwhile, participants of the seminar will be attending the Speaker’s Debate that will be held at the Nadi Civic Centre. The debate will focus on SDG 4 – Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.
Members of the public are also welcome to attend and can also watch it on livestream – www.parliamentlive.gov.fj from 5pm.