by Franklyn Michael – Programme Specialist, CARICAD C ARICAD has re-established its strategic partnership with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). UNDESA describes itself as: A vital interface between global policies and national action in the economic, social and environmental spheres. Rooted in the United Nations Charter and guided by the universal and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other global agreements, UNDESA responds to the needs and priorities of the global community. UNDESA is the place in the UN system where every Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) finds a home and where all stakeholders can do their part to leave no one behind. UNDESA has been helping countries to find common ground on sustainable development, population, social inclusion, financing for development and many other issues. From the Earth Summit’s Agenda 21 to Rio+20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNDESA has promoted and supported international cooperation for sustainable development and helped countries as they translate global commitments into national policies and actions. UNDESA assists Member States in preparing their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Executive Director of CARICAD Mr. Devon Rowe, Ms. Adriana Alberti and Mr. Jonas Rabinovitch of UNDESA have been holding discussions aimed at re-establishing what they all agree, was a very successful partnership. A partnership that produced value for CARICAD member states for 20 years. The partnership will be formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). An online meeting between teams from CARICAD and UNDESA was held on Thursday, October 1, 2020. In that meeting it was agreed that in the short-term, the focus of joint efforts will be an initiative aimed at Innovation in Public Service Delivery for the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDESA has explained that: The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embody the strategic vision and aspirations of all countries for the future of Development. Its implementation will require comprehensive actions at various levels, as indicated in General Assembly Resolution 70/1 on “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Innovation and public service delivery has been consistently acknowledged by the UN Member States as a key pillar for development.” The international community highlighted public service delivery as an integral component of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals; 13 Goals have content related to public service delivery. Among 169 targets, there are 59 targets (35%) related to public service delivery. Among 230 indicators, 66 of them (29%) require some specific public service to be delivered by public institutions. The public sector is the world’s largest service provider. However, the bottom 20% remain typically marginalised, without access to the formal economy and to the formal market for basic services. Continues on next page 13
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