Day 16: The SDGs consultations covered the Goal 9 “Industry, innovation, infrastructure”

The World Bank (WB) together with the Ministry of the Economy and Development has presented the Goal 9 “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consultations. The UN agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) supported the facilitation of the consultations. The Goal 9 includes the following background,

“Sustained investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies.

Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development.

More than 4 billion people still do not have access to the Internet, and 90 percent are from the developing world. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to information and knowledge, and as a consequence foster innovation and entrepreneurship.” [1]

Representatives of about nine national ministries and agencies discussed the proposed eight targets to the Goal 9 and their relevance to Turkmenistan. Participants of today’s consultation agreed to adopt three global targets as is, and four were adjusted to the local context.  Three of 12 indicators were accepted without modification.  Six national indicators have been developed.