As part of the support for the implementation by the Member States of the United Nations (UN), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Decentralized Territorial Communities (DTCs) of Cameroon participate this year 2022 in the development of a voluntary report, under the aegis of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).
As a reminder, the seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals to “save the world” actually indicate the way forward to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all beings on earth. They respond to the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice. These goals are interconnected and must all be achieved by 2030.
This universal call to action to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives of all people everywhere, while opening up opportunities for them for the future, was adopted in 2015 by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which sets out a fifteen (15) year plan to achieve these goals.
The annual SDG implementation reports provide an overview of global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. They highlight areas where progress has been made and where further action is needed. They are prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, with the contribution of international and regional organizations, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. Several national statisticians and experts from civil society and academia are also contributing to their preparation.
The Government of the Republic of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), with the support of the United Nations system, launched since the end of 2015, the process of inclusive localization of the SDGs in Cameroon. The Government aimed to conduct this process in the most participatory manner possible, including all development actors, particularly at the national level (central and decentralized public administrations, technical and financial partners, United Nations agencies, civil society, the private sector, trade unions, decentralized local authorities, youth) and grassroots populations.
The Draft National Report 2022 under the auspices of UCLG aims to support local government associations, such as the United Municipalities and Cities of Cameroon (CVUC), interested in strengthening their participation in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process
at the United Nations, with the aim of developing a local authorities’ own report on the SDGs. This report, which complements the national report prepared by the Government of Cameroon, will be presented to the United Nations this year and sent to the High Level Political Forum.
At the end of this report, UCLG’s main expectation is to note greater ownership of the SDGs at the local level and better participation of the SDCs in the implementation of the SDGs.