New York, 15 July 2022 (TDI): Nicole Jeanine Lydie Roboty Mbou, Minister of Economy and Recovery of Gabon, reported on the country’s progress on SDGs at the High-Level Political Forum held by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Hier la délégation du Gabon conduite par la Ministre de l’Economie et de la Relance @NicoleRoboty a présenté sa Revue Volontaire Nationale sur les ODDs lors du Forum Politique de haut niveau pour le développement durable qui s’est tenu à New York. Une première pour le Gabon ! 👏 pic.twitter.com/XfVFIIJi2w
— ONU Gabon (@OnuGabon) July 15, 2022
Gabon’s progress on SDGs
Gabon’s official outlined gender parity in primary school attendance, improved school infrastructure, and an 84% literacy rate (SDG 4). The minister noted a drop in gender-based violence and highlighted 34% of women in government (SDG 5).
The minister also added that the country has designated 67% marine protected areas (SDG 14) and has seen improved forest cover (SDG 15). Finally, she lamented a drop in remittances and foreign investment but said 55% of the budget is financed by national taxes (SDG 17).
The invited Stakeholder Group for Persons With Disabilities stressed the country to make efforts toward improving vocational training. They added engagement with civil society in the economic transformation as equally important.
Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)
42 high-level speakers addressed a ministerial roundtable and presented eleven VNRs. Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) are regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-driven.
Countries share experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned in implementing the 2030 Agenda and SDGs through regular VNRs. The VNRs are a follow-up mechanism envisioned under the 2030 Agenda and serve as a basis for regular reviews by the high-level political forum (HLPF).
As the midway point in the 15-year SDG implementation period draws closer, the high-level session offered a moment of reflection. Subsequently, the HLPF intended to move countries on a path to realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda.
