In a keynote address at the Celebration of World Development Information Day organized by the Africa Centre for Development Journalism in Lagos, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations Nigeria, stressed the crucial need for public awareness about the 2030 Agenda and the role of both Federal and State Governments in achieving its goals. He highlighted the significance of pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) and elaborated on the challenges and outcomes of the SDG Summit.
World Development Information Day, an annual event observed worldwide, is dedicated to raising awareness about development issues, enhancing the dissemination of crucial information, and rallying public opinion towards fostering international cooperation for sustainable development.
Mr. Schmale emphasized that the Nigerian public must be well-informed about the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda. This global initiative seeks to address a range of pressing issues, from poverty reduction and quality education to climate action and peace and justice. Understanding the importance of these goals is essential for the Nigerian population to actively engage in the pursuit of these objectives.
The UN Resident Coordinator underlined the indispensable roles played by both Federal and State Governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As the nation reaches the halfway point of the 2030 Agenda, it is vital for governments at all levels to collaborate and redouble their efforts to overcome the various obstacles and challenges on the path to achieving these ambitious targets.
Mr. Schmale underscored the tangible benefits that the pursuit of the SDGs can bring to the Nigerian people. These benefits encompass economic growth, improved healthcare, education, and a healthier environment, among others. Informed citizens can help in holding their leaders accountable for the effective implementation of these policies, leading to positive changes in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator also emphasized that an informed public can foster a sense of global solidarity, encouraging governments to engage in international cooperation to address common challenges, such as climate change and conflict. Nigeria, like many other nations, faces shared global issues that require collaborative action, and the public’s awareness and support are instrumental in driving these efforts.
Mr. Matthias Schmale’s address at the Celebration of World Development Information Day highlighted the vital role of public awareness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. By staying informed and engaged, the Nigerian public can play a significant part in the nation’s progress and contribute to global solidarity and cooperation in tackling pressing issues.
The Celebration of World Development Information Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of international cooperation for development, and the words of the UN Resident Coordinator reinforce the idea that a well-informed public can be a catalyst for positive change on both a national and global scale.
