Nevis Embarks on Voluntary Local Review of Progress Toward 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The June 03 meeting also included Cosbert Woods, United Nations Country Coordination Officer for St. Kitts and Nevis, and Vittorio Hendrickson, Communications Specialist, and followed a successful stakeholder workshop in Nevis. The meeting marked the start of a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) of Nevis’ progress toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Recognizing Nevis’ Strategic Approach

Hope praised Nevis for its strategic approach and called the island a leading example.

“We’ve seen evidence in Nevis, as a small island it’s agile, it’s responsive and it’s already aligning a number of its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals…By actively reviewing your progress and identifying gaps through the Voluntary Local Review, stakeholders can target actions that will improve the quality of life for all Nevisians and set a replicable example for the region.”

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Commenting on the fruitful meeting, Acting Premier Evelyn assured that Nevis remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and fully supports the Sustainable Island State Agenda of the federal government.

“We discussed, among other things, food, water and energy security, health, education, housing, and culture. We continue to build Nevis in a sustainable way. We believe that we have been doing quite a lot … and that we have numerous bright spots on Nevis in terms of our journey towards the 2030 Agenda. This meeting has inspired me, and I’m sure it will inspire the NIA to continue to do more to ensure that the people of Nevis have the standard and quality of life that they deserve.”

The Significance of the Voluntary Local Review

Woods underscored the significance of the Voluntary Local Review, stating, “What we’re doing with the government of Nevis is actually very pioneering… It’s the first time a local review is being done within the Eastern Caribbean and Latin American region.”

He noted that the VLR process will not only capture Nevis’ local context but will also help guide other nations and federations in implementing sustainable development strategies.

Woods also acknowledged Nevis’ ongoing efforts in key areas including environmental conservation, geothermal energy exploration, and social protection.

Conclusion

The Voluntary Local Review marks a significant step forward for Nevis in its journey toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. With its strategic approach and commitment to sustainable development, Nevis is poised to set a replicable example for the region. The VLR process will help identify areas of improvement and guide actions to enhance the quality of life for all Nevisians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Voluntary Local Review (VLR)? A VLR is a process of reviewing a local government’s progress toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Why is Nevis conducting a VLR? Nevis is conducting a VLR to assess its progress toward achieving the SDGs and identify areas for improvement.
What are the benefits of a VLR? A VLR helps identify gaps and areas for improvement, guides actions to enhance the quality of life for all citizens, and sets a replicable example for the region.