Fulfillment of commitment to achieve SDGs stressed

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 21: A program organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) brought together speakers who called for increased efforts in promoting safe motherhood and reproductive rights. They highlighted the importance of prioritizing economic development and inclusivity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the UNFPA-organized program in Kathmandu yesterday, participants emphasized the need to fulfill commitments related to population and development in order to achieve the SDGs. Under SDG Goal No. 5, which focuses on gender equality, Nepal has pledged to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

Nepal has been making efforts to address issues like child marriage and forced marriage, which are steps toward achieving the SDGs. However, speakers emphasized that more active awareness campaigns and developmental endeavors are required to reach the SDGs by the target year of 2030.

Dr. Prof Yogendra Bahadur Gurung, Chief of the Department of Population Studies at Tribhuvan University, noted that although Nepal has seen significant reductions in infant mortality, maternal mortality, and child marriage rates according to the latest census in 2021, more efforts are needed to achieve the SDGs within the set timeframe.

Concerns were raised about challenges to human security due to migration trends, particularly the movement towards urban and Terai areas. The need for economic and social development was highlighted by UNFPA Representative for Nepal, Won Young Hong, who emphasized that economic progress was crucial for public health rights and equality.

Activist Bandana Rana suggested that Nepal should evaluate the goals set by the International Conference on Population and Development and prepare for the next phase of policy-making. She emphasized the importance of inclusive sexual and reproductive health services and financial policies to empower all women and girls in line with SDG Goal No. 5, which aims for gender equality.