ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals held

September 21

 

ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals was held by videoconference yesterday afternoon.

 

Ministers of Development Planning from the ASEAN Member States, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Union Minister for Planning and Finance U Win Shein and officials attended the virtual meeting.

 

Indonesian Minister for National Development Planning Mr Suharso Monoarfa, Cambodian Minister for Planning Mr Kitti Settha Pandita Chhay Than, Deputy Minister for the Philippines Ministry of National Economy and Development Mr Rosemarie G. Edillon and ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi delivered welcoming speeches at the start of the meeting.

 

Then, the Ministers of Development Planning of ASEAN Member States discussed the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reducing adverse effects of COVID-19.

 

Officials also focused on the importance of cooperation between the Ministries of Development Planning and Development Partners.

 

At the meeting, Union Minister U Win Shein said that the economic development of ASEAN before COVID-19 was stable and stood as a major organiza tion in the region.

 

“In the past two years, the whole world, including ASEAN, has been affected by COVID-19. As almost all SDG goals have been affected by COVID-19, it is necessary to implement the strategies drawn up for each country and region.

 

“ASEAN will implement various measures, including the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, by 2020 to address the impact of the COVID-19. It has been implemented since February.

 

“Most countries, including Myanmar, have drawn up remedial plans to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

 

“In implementing the SDGs, it is necessary to implement the 3R Model of Reopening, Recovery and Resilience based on ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, Complementarities Roadmap 2020-2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2025, and 2030 Agenda for SDG,” the Union Minister said.

 

The Union Minister also said that not only the government but also development partners and the private sector have an important role to play in increasing private investment in public services and the implementation of the SDGs.

 

The Union Minister continued that Myanmar is now focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

“Along with the implementation of the SDGs, the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan (MSDP) is being implemented.

 

“Myanmar has drawn up the Myanmar Economic Relief Plan (MERP) to address the economic impact of COVID-19.

 

“The project aims to revitalize businesses, inviting domestic and foreign investment, facilitating business operations, and legal protection.

 

“The project is a medium-term project that aims to build Myanmar’s sustainable and balanced development plan. The ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and GMS are linked to the VIS 19 Response and Rehabilitation Project,” the Union Minister added.

 

In conclusion, the Union Minister said that today’s meeting would identify key processes between ASEAN countries and potential development partners in raising funds for the implementation of the SDGs.

 

The Union Minister continued that through regional cooperation and economic recovery, recovery from the effects of the epidemic could lead to a better economy.

 

Next, officials from the Thailand, United Nations Commission on Social and Economic Affairs for Asia and the Pacific, International organizations from Columbia University, United States of America, and Development Planning Ministers from the ASEAN Member States discussed Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in each country. — MNA