Prelims: Economy (International Organizations), UNESCAP, SDG, Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report
Mains: General Studies-III Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Why in the News ?
According to a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), at the current pace of growth, the region will not attain the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) until 2062, and it will be 32 years behind the scheduled year of achievement.
Source: DTE
Key Facts 🗝️
UNESCAP:
- It was established in 1947.
- HQ: Bangkok, Thailand
📌 FYI on Prelims:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- To bring sustainable development in the mainstream United Nations (UN) launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs.
- This universal, integrated and transformative agenda aims to spur actions that will end poverty and build a more sustainable world over the next 15 years.
- There are 17 goals and 169 targets specific targets to be achieved by 2030. Reaching the goals requires action on all fronts – governments, businesses, civil society and people everywhere all have a role to play.
- SDGs are not legally binding
About:
- United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)
- It is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Mandate: To promote economic and social development in the Asian and Pacific region by fostering cooperation between its members and associate members.
- The Commission promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges.
- It is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.
- It carries out work in the areas like Macroeconomic Policy, Poverty Reduction and Financing for Development, Trade, Investment and Innovation, Transport, Environment and Development, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction and Social Development etc.
- Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report
- The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report is one of the annual flagship publications of the United Nations ESCAP.
- It provides an overview of SDG Progress in the region which serves as a foundation for many other activities conducted by ESCAP and its partners.
- It draws out the priorities for enhancing data availability on SDG indicators, especially for the most vulnerable population groups, which could help shape more equitable and inclusive development strategies.
- Key Recommendations of the Report:
- There is urgency in addressing inequalities that impact marginalised groups, including women, girls, rural populations and the urban poor, who continue to find themselves locked out of education and employment opportunities.
- There is a need for a significant increase in investment in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy sources to address the challenges posed by Climate Change and achieve various SDGs.
- The Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report is one of the annual flagship publications of the United Nations ESCAP.
- India’s Progress on SDG as per the Report:
- India’s overall SDG score improved by 6 points, rising from 60 in 2019 to 66 in 2020–21.
- Notable achievements include Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Prelims: PYQ/FAQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
- The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
- The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b. 2 only
Explaination:
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a universal call for action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
- They are built upon the success of the Millennium Development Goals, including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities.
- The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.
- Adopted in 2015, SDGs came into effect in January 2016. They are meant to be achieved by 2030. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- The SDGs were born at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The Club of Rome advocated resource conservation for the first time in a more systematic way in 1968. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
