BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 5. Azerbaijan is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) by 2030 and has already implemented 35 out of 98 recommendations of the SDGs, the joint report of AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce) and PwC (Environmental, Social and Governance) said, Trend reports.
"Over the past two decades, Azerbaijan has been raising the proportion of funds allocated for paying social security, health care, education, and social protection out of all state budget spending. Adopted new laws are meant to enable public health and educational institutions to run effectively. To increase economic possibilities for people and families, the government has launched anti-poverty campaigns, including social aid programs, job development projects, and support for microenterprises," the report indicated.
Furthermore, the government has been pulling out all the stops to ensure the seamless economic integration of IDPs and refugees, as well as their safe return to their rightful stomping grounds.
"Thus, Azerbaijan paid special attention to such SDG targets as 'Poverty Eradication', ' No Hunger', 'Health and Welfare', 'Quality Education', 'Gender Equality', 'Decent Work and Economic Growth'," the report noted.
In addition, based on AmCham and PwC assessments, Azerbaijan is committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030 in the areas of "Industrial, Innovation and Infrastructure Development", "Sustainable Cities and Communities", "Peace, Justice and Strong Governance Institutions", i.e. those aspects related to sustainable development management.
"Administrative reforms have been carried out in Azerbaijan to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public institutions. The government has taken measures to combat corruption at all levels. Azerbaijan has invested in e-government initiatives to digitize public services and improve citizens' access to information and public services," the report by AmCham and PwC noted.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan has empowered local governments and strengthened public trust and participation in governance processes.
The report recalls that Azerbaijan plans to increase the share of RES in the country's total energy balance to 30 percent by 2030 and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2050.
Among the directions, Azerbaijan should take steps to realize the SDGs are "Protection of the water ecosystem", "Clean Water", and a continuation of reforms in health care and in the management system.
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