SDGs possible by giving primacy to concerns of poor: PJ Kurien

UNITED NATIONS: The Sustainable Development Goals can be pursued by attaching priority to the concerns of the poor and underprivileged sections of the humanity, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien has said.

"This requires adoption of common but differentiated responsibilities and the commitment of developed countries to mandatorily contribute 0.7 per cent of their Gross National Income as the Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the developing countries so that these countries can effectively pursue SDGs," Kurien said yesterday in his address to the Fourth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.

"The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be pursued only by giving primacy to the concerns of the poor and the underprivileged sections of the humanity," Kurien said.

He added that pursuit of the SDGs will require strong political commitment on the part of all stakeholders, especially the Parliament and the government, and adoption of country specific approaches.

"Eradication of poverty, hunger and malnutrition is indispensable for peace and sustainable development," he added.

He further stressed that establishment of accountable and inclusive institutions globally will serve the cause of Sustainable Development Goals.

"In pursuance of this objective, India reiterates its stand for reform of UN Security Council and other Bretton Woods institutions for making them more democratic and representative of the global order of 21st century," he said.

Kurien also emphasised that greater representation of women in all spheres of life including legislature is essential for sustainable development.

He cited that due to reservation of seats for women in grassroot representative bodies, almost a million women have been elected to such bodies.