In 2015, UNV, the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Ukraine and the GURT Resource Centre held a consultation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with civil society organizations and volunteer groups in 11 cities of Ukraine. A total of 293 participants worked together to choose the most relevant SDGs addressing burning issues for Ukraine's development.
On International Volunteer Day 2015, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, the UN Resident Coordinator Office and the GURT Resource Centre held a consultation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with civil society organizations and volunteer groups in 11 cities of Ukraine. A total of 293 participants worked together to choose the most relevant SDGs addressing burning issues for Ukraine’s development.
For each chosen goal, they were asked to determine why this particular one was important, what civil society was already doing to reach it, and what other actions were needed to help achieve that goal.
Although the participants chose five SDGs they believe to be most important for Ukraine, they pointed out that the goals are interrelated, and progress in one area leads to progress in other areas. They believe that improved education and health systems, modern and innovative industry and infrastructure, decent work, and an accountable government and fair justice system are the key to achieving the SDGs in general, and to improving the overall situation in Ukraine.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not an agenda decided behind closed doors, something that matters only to the United Nations and its Member States. The SDGs formulation process was highly inclusive, it was open to civil society organizations, volunteer groups and funds, local communities, vulnerable groups, youth, and every interested individual.
The same applies to the SDGs’ localization, implementation and monitoring. Therefore the United Nations on the country level organizes events to consult with various stakeholders on how to reach the goals in their respective countries in order to make the process as participatory and open as possible.
The United Nations in Ukraine is determined to bring a broad range of partners into the discussion on the localization of the SDGs, and will make good use of all inputs.