'Realisation of sustainable development goals has slowed'

AMMAN — A report prepared by several civil organisations on Tuesday showed a decline in realising most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Jordan. 

The report called on the government to renew focus on realising the 2030 SDGs in ways that return to the right track to provide welfare for citizens and offer a political climate characterised by partnership and harmony, according to a statement from stakeholders.

The report focused on seven SDGs that are relevant to the work of these organisations, which are: Goal 1. No poverty, Goal 2: Zero hunger, Goal 5: Gender equality, Goal 8: Economic growth, Goal 10: No inequality, Goal 16: Peace and justice and Goal 17: Partnership.  

Director of Phenix Centre for Economics and Informatics Studies Ahmad Awad said that realising the SDGs by 2030 has “proved difficult” when the agenda was signed in 2015, stressing that the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have hit the global economy and have contributed to lost jobs across the world.

Awad added that the Russian-Ukrainian war has been another “hit to the global system” and has contributed to “a remarkable food shortage”.

He added that the government considers these events and developments as obstacle to realising the SDGs and the “chronic development and economic imbalances in Jordan” have been exacerbated by these events.

Awad said that Jordan, since its establishment, has always suffered from “chronic” economic shortcomings, such as the general budget deficit and the state debt, which have both contributed to higher poverty and unemployment rates. 

Consequently, the Kingdom has always been under the umbrella of restructuring programmes of the International Monetary Fund since 1988.  

Lamya Zu'bi, director of planning and development programmes at the Planning Ministry, reviewed the top goals that have witnessed decline over the past few years and the roadmap for the remaining period until 2030.  

She noted that the report is part of cooperation with civil society organisations as a partner in realising the SDGs.

The report recommended engaging the civil community and local stakeholders in the policy making process to help implement policies that address all classes of the society, enhance the institutional environment and strengthen democratic institutions, such as the Parliament.