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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
(OAS/PAHO)‒
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO) today signed a declaration of cooperation to support
the countries of the Americas in achieving the 2030 Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
The declaration signed by OAS Secretary
General Luis Almagro and PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne establishes
joint activities primarily focused on equity, social inclusion, and
social determinants of health in the region, areas in which both
organizations have high interest.
“This marks an unprecedented
effort in institutional collaboration related to the development
agenda,” affirmed Almagro. He added that, “The OAS and PAHO are called
upon to work with member countries to build a new institutional
architecture in the inter-American system if we want to achieve truly
inclusive development with equity and sustainability.”
The
Americas is one of the most inequitable regions of the world and the new
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes this challenge.
The
two inter-American agencies have decided to combine their efforts,
experience, and knowledge to provide coordinated support to the member
states as they implement the development agenda.
“This joint
effort between PAHO and the OAS is a great opportunity to collaborate
with the countries in addressing this ambitious development agenda and
helping to reduce inequalities and improve health, without leaving
anyone behind,” explained Etienne. Other agencies and organizations will
be called upon to forge a broader interinstitutional partnership.
The
activities to be carried out include the establishment of a High-level
Interagency Working Group comprised of representatives of the two
organizations to spearhead this joint effort. Its purpose is to improve
coordination of institutional activities at the national level, ensure
the global SDG process becomes regionalized, and facilitate cooperation
and the exchange of best practices among countries so that institutions
can be strengthened.
At the Summit for Sustainable Development,
held in September 2015, the member states of the United Nations approved
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes a set of 17
Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs) aimed at ending poverty,
fighting inequality and injustice, and coping with climate change.
The
new global goals and the Agenda for Sustainable Development go far
beyond the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and represent a true
multisectoral agenda, which addresses the fundamental causes of poverty
and the universal need for development that works for all people.
Ensuring
healthy lives and promoting well-being across the life course is one of
the goals, and it is directly related to PAHO’s area of work.
Democracy, human rights, multidimensional security, and integrated
development constitute the four pillars of the OAS agenda that are
essential for achieving sustainable development.
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