State programs and strategies covering socio-economic and environmental fields in Azerbaijan are adapted to the Sustainable Development Goals
The second dialogue was held on the topic "Towards 2030: socio-economic inclusion in Azerbaijan" within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) dialogues jointly organized by the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Economy and the UN Mission in Azerbaijan.
Measures to be implemented in the direction of increasing the sustainability of socio-economic development and ways to increase the social inclusion of vulnerable population groups were discussed at the event, using the Inclusive Development Index proposed by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Chairman of the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov said that the Azerbaijani government highly values cooperation with the UN and pointed out that mutual relations are beneficial for our country. Ali Ahmadov emphasized that the implementation of obligations under the Global SDGs is one of the important components of the state policy in our country, and Azerbaijan is the first in the region and one of the 10 countries in the world to submit a Voluntary National Report to the UN High-Level Political Forum on the implementation of the SDGs 3 times.
Vladanka Andreyeva, the resident coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, emphasized the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan related to the consistent increase of the minimum wage, pensions and social benefits, as well as the adoption of targeted programs for the socio-economic development of regions and pointed out that the UN will continue to support our country in the direction of increasing social and economic inclusion, including the acceleration of the SDGs.
The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev said that one of the SDGs in the "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" adopted by the member states of the UN is to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, and pointed out the steps taken in our country within the framework of this goal. The minister also informed about the work carried out to create inclusive and decent jobs for vulnerable population groups within the framework of the 8th SDG - "Decent work and economic growth".
Bahar Muradova, the chairman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children, said that the initiative of the SDG dialogues is an important platform for advancing the implementation process of "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio- Economic Development". She noted that this initiative contributes to building a dynamic and inclusive society by bringing together interested parties and combining efforts in this direction.
Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Mammadov noted that the implementation of the commitments made by the UN for the years 2016-2030 has become one of the important components of the state policy, and pointed out that state programs and strategies covering socio-economic and environmental fields in Azerbaijan are adapted to the SDGs. The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the discussions to be held with state bodies, private sector, NGOs and international organizations within the framework of the "SDG Dialogues" initiative will contribute positively to the implementation of the National Priorities and the Agenda in the field of sustainable development until 2030, economic and social policy in our country.
Viktor Bojkov, the Head of cooperation section of the European Union Delegation to our country, informed about the projects implemented by the institution he represents in order to support social and economic inclusion in Azerbaijan.
Rashad Huseynov, a social policy specialist of the UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative to the Republic of Azerbaijan, made a presentation on the prospects of achieving the SDGs in Azerbaijan.
A panel discussion was held on "Towards 2030: A vision of inclusive socio-economic development" within the framework of the event. Discussions were held on achieving gender equality, inclusion in education, protection of children's rights, the role of the private sector and civil society in ensuring socio-economic stability at the panel moderated by Huseyn Huseynov, Secretary of the National Coordination Council on Sustainable Development, Head of the Department of Sustainable Development and Social Policy of the Ministry of Economy.
