NEW YORK: Kuwait renewed its keenness to achieve the goals and objectives of sustainable development, as they represent a road map of joint action to create a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. This came in a speech by Kuwait’s Permanent Delegation to the United Nations, delivered by diplomatic attaché Ali Al-Khuraibet, on Tuesday night, before the Second Committee of the General Assembly under the item “Sustainable Development."

Al-Khuraibet said Kuwait put forward a development plan under the slogan “New Kuwait” to mobilize all efforts and achieve the goals of its national development and sustainable plans through seven basic pillars to transform the country into a leading financial, cultural, and institutional regional center. “In 2015, Kuwait adopted the 2030 agenda; we made a global call for action to reduce poverty, preserve our planet, and ensure prosperity for all”, he added.

The Kuwait diplomat noted that “Kuwait presented, last June, the second national voluntary review, which highlights my country’s progress in each of the goals and is a reliable record of many achievements.” “We renew the call of the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to develop a global rescue plan and provide solid support to stimulate the goals of sustainable development”, he said, expressing his hope for greater accomplishment in this regard in the coming years.

Kuwait had faced several challenges, including those that resulted from climate change, that made the recovery process very difficult for everyone, especially weak and vulnerable people, he added. Al-Khuraibet stressed that achieving all the goals of the sustainable development plan requires taking immediate measures and a firm commitment to the political declaration issued by the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, building resilience, expanding social protection, and protecting the vulnerable.

He renewed Kuwait’s commitments to international agreements and resolutions and took urgent actions to address any repercussions on international security and stability. The diplomat concluded the speech by saying that “today, there is a need for global cooperation more than any other time; we must redouble our efforts in implementing the sustainable development goals, including Goal 17, which enables us to enhance our capabilities and stimulate international efforts to achieve these goals to the fullest extent.” - KUNA