South Sudan’s Ministry of Finance said it is set to launch it’s first ever Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Thursday.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Juba on Tuesday, Agok Makur Kur, Deputy Minister of Finance said the review aims at evaluating and preparing a report to be presented in New York in July this year. 

Kur described the launch as a millstone for South Sudan and a way of achieving transparent governance.

“The purpose of this event is to enable the country to prepare for its inaugural report on the SDGs for the upcoming high-level political forum on Sustainable Development Goals in New York City in July this year,” Kur said.

the Deputy Minister added, “this report will focus on SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education) 13 (Climate Action), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), with a special emphasis on how these goals contribute to poverty reduction (SDG 1)”

Furthermore, the report will also focus on SDGs 5 (Gender E Equality) will be considered as cross-cutting, and depending on data availability, as well as SDGs 8 which talks about decent work and economic growth, and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Kur added that, “This Voluntary National Review provides us with a crucial opportunity to assess progress thus far and to reflect on the efforts we still need to make. By taking stock of our achievements and challenges, we can better strategize for the future and accelerate our journey towards sustainable development.”

He further called on the citizens to stay focused on the ongoing awareness about the Voluntary National Review, which will be available on various media platforms.

“I encourage all the citizens to stay focused on the ongoing awareness in the media so that each and every one can be engaged in the Voluntary National Review process and the implementation of the SDGs,” he said.

The deputy minister underscored that collective action is required from all the citizens to make significant strides toward achieving the SDGs. 

“Let us work together toward a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable South Sudan,” he stated.