SDGs will replace MDGs in 2015

Disna MUDALIGE

A list of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from 2015, as agreed by the world representatives at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), Environment Ministry Secretary B M U D Basnayake told the Daily News yesterday. He said: "All the representatives agreed to this move and provide their contribution to develop SDGs to be implemented in both developing and developed countries.

"SDGs would concentrate more on the environmental factor unlike MDGs.

"The economy, society and environment are the three pillars of SDGs, and the time is ripe for world leaders to make a genuine commitment to incorporate SDGs in decision making for the survival of the planet and human beings.

"The Rio+20 summit, as the biggest environment event in Earth's history, was successful, and the representatives of all countries agreed to the basic principle of preserving the environment.

"The developing countries voiced the need for technology transfer and financial and technical assistance to work out sustainable development and a green economy.

"The need to adopt advanced technology to produce environmental friendly products was discussed during the summit." Representatives of 188 countries participated in the summit concluded last week in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.