UN Doha Summit critical for nations to reflect on progress made – Finance Minister

– reaffirms Guyana’s commitment to SDGs

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, delivering a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Government, and the people of Guyana at the Plenary Session of the United Nations 2nd World Summit for Social Development, underscored that the gathering offers an important platform for nations to share their experiences – both successes and challenges – in implementing the outcomes of the first Social Summit held in Copenhagen thirty years ago.

“The summit provides a critical moment for nations to reflect on the progress made and the ground still to be covered in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Dr Singh stated during the summit, which was held in Doha, Qatar.
In his address, the minister expressed appreciation to His Highness the Amir, as well as the Government and people of Qatar, for hosting the landmark summit.
He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the principles of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, emphasising the country’s people-centred approach to development and the importance of renewed global cooperation.
The summit served to address remaining gaps and recommit to the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action and its implementation and give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Countries from around the world are represented by heads of state and Ministers of Government. Also in attendance were multilateral organisations and civil society organisations.
Dr Singh reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to the Copenhagen Declaration, which he said is clearly reflected in the Government’s core development policies that place the people of Guyana at the centre of national progress.
Highlighting the country’s social and economic achievements, Dr Singh noted that the full realisation of global development objectives requires continuous international cooperation and solidarity.
“The Government of Guyana recognises that the achievement of our collective goals demands an unremitting commitment to multilateralism and genuine international cooperation,” he said, calling on all nations to renew their commitment to these principles.
Finally, while highlighting Guyana’s achievements, Minister Singh said that the Government recognises that the full realisation of the collective global objectives requires an unremitting commitment to international cooperation and solidarity; hence, there is an urgent need for a renewal of the commitment to multilateralism and genuine international cooperation. He further noted that Guyana fully commits to and calls for such a renewal as we continue the collective quest for a better world for all.
Dr Singh concluded by reiterating Guyana’s dedication to working alongside the international community in pursuit of a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world for all.