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Minster of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, delivered a compelling call to action for global leaders to prioritise sustainable development, particularly in Africa.
Tuggar spoke on Monday at the Summit of the Future held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22-23, 2024.
Tuggar highlighted that only 16 percent of Sustainable Development Goals are on track for completion by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation.
He urged developed nations to fulfill their commitments to support the global South, emphasizing that failure to meet the SDG targets should prompt an extension of the 2030 deadline.
The minister said, “The SDG Index estimates that only about 16 percent of the SDG targets are on track to be achieved. We must, therefore, ensure that today’s adoption of the Pact for the Future is backed by a real willingness to fulfil outstanding commitments.
“With the remaining 84 percent of the SDG targets for 2030 yet to be achieved, countries in the global North must do more to support sustainable development in the global South.
“We are optimistic that these targets can be met if commitments are backed by action. However, in the event we fall short of achieving the SDG targets by 2030, we strongly believe that the deadline should be extended.”
He argued that systemic inequalities and historical imbalances have left many African nations vulnerable and struggling to achieve their development goals.
Among his key proposals, Tuggar called for a permanent seat for Africa on the UN Security Council, reflecting the continent’s growing influence and the necessity for equitable representation.
He also advocated for a complete overhaul of the international financial architecture to ensure transparency and inclusivity, alongside comprehensive debt relief measures to alleviate the economic pressures faced by African countries.
“We must, therefore, take action-oriented measures to engender the following; Reform of the UN Security Council to ensure a permanent seat for Africa;
“Reform of the international financial architecture to promote an inclusive, non-discriminatory and transparent international trading system, as well as to implement comprehensive debt relief measures;
“Fulfilment of all commitments under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, particularly to facilitate sustainable financing for development; support for local indigenous production and export from Africa; strengthening of measures to ensure timely repatriation of illicit financial flows and assets,” the minister noted.
In a plea, he outlined essential steps for sustainable development, including robust support for local production and exports, timely repatriation of illicit financial flows, and the establishment of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation to combat tax evasion.
Addressing climate change, Tuggar stressed the importance of a fair transition away from fossil fuels while insisting on the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities.
He called for substantial financial assistance, proposing an annual allocation of $500 billion to the Global South as part of the UN Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus proposal.
Tuggar also emphasised the need to bridge the digital divide, advocating for technology sharing and capacity building to ensure that no one is left behind.
Furthermore, he called attention to the necessity of establishing a common understanding of cryptocurrency to mitigate its potential for economic disruption and crime.
In closing, Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for immediate, collective action through the Pact for the Future.
He stressed that only through united efforts can the international community tackle the pressing challenges facing Africa and the global South.
