Jordan, UNDP celebrate launch of Sustainable Development Goals from small town

AMMAN — As part of the global launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Jordan joined the world in celebrating the SDGs, according to a UNDP statement released on Tuesday. 

Together, UNDP Country Director Zena Ali Ahmad and the Municipality of Rehab, near Mafraq in the northeast, revealed a mural that represents the different goals endorsed in the UN summit on September 25-27 in New York.

The Rehab mural reflects the local community’s visions and hopes for the world they want in 2030 based on a chosen group of goals. 

With the support of Zain Company and a number of local associations in Rehab, the mural was designed and built by volunteers from the American University of Madaba, the local community and volunteers from the UNDP’s 3X6 project.

The event was live streamed directly to UN headquarters in New York, joining countries from the around the world who were simultaneously sharing their own events and activities.

In her speech, Ahmad praised Jordan’s achievements in its efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015). She highlighted the Kingdom’s overall accomplishments across the board and in the goals of eradicating poverty and hunger, achieving universal basic education, and promoting gender equality.

According to the statement, Jordan has achieved these goals, ensuring that all children enrol in school through the provision of basic education opportunities to all school-age children.

Ahmad also highlighted the role that the UNDP plays in providing social well-being, supporting justice and prosperity, providing job opportunities for young men and women, and supporting programmes.

The organisation is also continuously seeking to provide support to communities hosting Syrian refugees and increasing their ability to absorb the pressure that the crisis is placing on their already limited resources.

In addition to UNDP staff, the celebration was attended by representatives of the American University of Madaba, representatives from the local community, volunteer associations, and youth and women’s organisations in Rehab.

At the end of the event, the UNDP distributed certificates to participants and volunteers who took part in the making of the mural. 

The celebration coincided with many of the UN’s global events and activities held on the occasion of the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030). 

A total of 150 leaders have pledged to adopt a 15-year sustainable development plan that hopes to achieve 17 key development goals by the year 2030.