Knowledge-Sharing Session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Kirkuk, Iraq - The Development Coordination Office (DCO) of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) hosted a briefing session on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for National NGOs (NNGOs) based in Kirkuk. A total of 25 participants representing the NNGOS attended the session on 13 February 2019, which aimed to raise awareness of the NNGOs based in Kirkuk on the SDGs and Agenda 2030.

DCO highlighted that the SDGs build on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aim to go further to end all forms of poverty. The SDGs are unique in that they call for action by all countries, rich-, middle-, and poor-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognise that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of socio-economic needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

DCO outlined the integrated nature of the SDGs and how various partners and their actions can create synergies and linkages among them. DCO informed that this session is a part of series of sessions on SDGs and Agenda 2030 held for UN agencies and focal points of sub-national clusters operating in Kirkuk. Participants found the briefing very interesting and requested additional sessions for other NNGOs. The participants emphasised that overall responsibility for implementation for the SDGs and Agenda 2030 lies with the Government and recommended additional sessions to be scheduled for counterparts working in the Governorate of Kirkuk.