Opening remarks for the Road to the SDG Summit launch Consuelo Vidal Bruce, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. in Uzbekistan

On behalf of the United Nations Country team in Uzbekistan, I would like to warmly welcome you to this event on the “Road to the global SDG Summit” that will take place during the United Nations General Assembly on 18 and 19 September this year.

As you know, the global SDG Summit was convened by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, to renew the commitment from the international community, governments and society as a whole, on a new phase of concerted global efforts in achieving the global 2030 Agenda with its 17 SDGs.

This year marks the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and, unfortunately, the world is falling behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

So, without a significant surge in commitment and transformative measures, the world risks falling short of achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda.

One month ago, Uzbekistan presented its 2nd Voluntary National Review ( the VNR) at the UN ECOSOC High-level Political forum, outlining its current progress and challenges on the achievement of the national SDGs until 2030.

I am pleased to note that Uzbekistan has improved its position in the global 2023 SDG Index rating, moving up 8 positions to rank 69th among 166 countries.

This remarkable progress responds to the comprehensive structural and socio-economic reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years, and today we will have the opportunity to hear more about this, in the VNR presentation by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

We will also hear from the Parliament on their critical role in monitoring SDG implementation and compliance.

As the VNR showed Uzbekistan’s progress in SDGs, it also presented some of the challenges the country faces in this regard. For example:

-Regarding SDGs 1 and 2, climate change, extreme weather conditions, and water scarcity are threatening agricultural productivity, rural incomes, and food security

- While there is a significant progress in pre-school and higher (tertiary) education coverage, outdated teaching methods and standards are impacting the quality of education (regarding SDG4).

-The VNR also notes significant disparities in the quality of healthcare services between urban and rural areas.

- And in the economic area, significant informal employment is resulting in gaps in social protection, as well as reduced public revenues to finance adequate social protection for workers (which impacts negatively SDG8).

- also, regarding SDG 10, growing income inequalities are raising concerns for an economic growth that is inclusive and broad-based.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government of Uzbekistan is currently adopting a new long-term national development plan titled “Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy”.

Last week’s consultations have shown that the 100 targets and corresponding KPIs of the “Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy” are largely aligned with and will contribute to the SDG acceleration in the country.

Very importantly, the "Leave No One Behind" principle, a fundamental aspect of the SDGs, resonates with the spirit of the Strategy, aiming to ensure inclusivity and equality, providing citizens with opportunities for growth and prosperity.

The upcoming Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, as well as Uzbekistan’s ambitious and dynamic reform agenda, suggest that the country is in a good position to announce bold commitments at the SDG Summit to accelerate the SDG progress in the country.

The United Nations country team of Agencies, Funds and Program stands ready to continue supporting the country in achieving its national SDG priorities and targets.

And, as this is a whole of society effort, today we will also be hearing from civil society, youth, academia, and private sector on their commitment and concerted efforts in achieving the SDGs.

We all have a stake in this, so let’s join our efforts for the global promise of a sustainable, just and equitable future for all.

Thank you.