Strong monitoring, review system to be adopted

The United Nations will adopt a strong monitoring and review system on the progress and implementation stages of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the special summit in New York on September 25-27.

It will provide data to everyone in a transparent manner, said Thomas Gass, UN assistant secretary general for Policy Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

He was talking to some journalists through video conference, moderated by United Nations Information Centre in Bangladesh, from New York last night.

Thomas Gass termed "crucial" and "hotly debated" goal 16, which speaks of a peaceful inclusive society, better access to justice and better governance.

"That is how it is going to happen. Progress is really achieved when people hold their leaders accountable," he said.  

He also said an international committee concerned could access the information in case any country tried to hide it.

Thomas Gass said the private sector played a very constructive role in discussions and negotiations over the last two to three years.

Specifically on Bangladesh, he said sustainable and decent jobs have to be created for both males and females to eradicate poverty. "Building a resilienteconomy, getting private sector on board is very crucial," he said.

He said the private sector was realising that it has to participate in making the environment more stable and knew they have everything to gain from a predictable and more level playing field.  

On the fund flow, Thomas Gass said raising fund through domestic resources was very crucial.

Thomas Gass said the UN will continue to support countries which seek it. "We are strongly encouraging countries' statistics offices to closely work with the civil society," he said.

He also mentioned that there would be an annual programme where countries would be able to make presentations on the progress of SDGs.