Aggregated Effort is A Must: Bappenas Urges Unity to Reach SDG16

Collective efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been encouraged by the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), in particular aim 16 on stability, justice and strong institutions.

During a Solidarity and Unity between People as the Embodiment of SDG16 Indonesia to Rise from COVID-19‘ debate, held virtually recently, Suharso Monoarfa, head of Bappenas. In view of this, The pursuit of unity, justice, and inclusivity as the core of SDG16 was underlined by the Minister of National Development Planning, who is also the Minister.

He urged all components of the nation to take collective measures in order to achieve the goal, one of which is to create a stable society and avoid and end conflict among citizens.

He said one of the most critical components in the adoption of the key principles of the agenda is fostering an equitable society, besides building a just society by addressing the problems of justice that have been created, particularly during the pandemic.

He further claimed that to carry out the efforts, there needs to be cooperation between the government and non-governmental groups. Therefore, under the concerted action agenda to help the accomplishment of the SDGs, multiple joint steps should be taken to resolve the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, he observed.

Actually it was such partnership. It needs to be more holistic in the future and extend beyond the health dimensions and post-pandemic economic recovery emphasis. He then celebrated projects and inventions carried out as part of attempts to counter COVID-19 in the spirit of unity amongst the people.

In view of this, Monoarfa cited the efforts of community groups, particularly religious organizations, to offer community aid in the form of free gloves, essential necessities, and to inform the public on the value of health precautions to deter the spread of COVID-19.