Resident Coordinator's speech: Brunei Darussalam Pre-HLPF Workshop: SDG Opportunities

Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad, Permanent Secretary (Wawasan), Chair of Special National Coordinating Committee on SDGs for Brunei Darussalam

Dr. Hjh Huraini POKSJDP Hj Hurairah, Head of Secretariat, Special National Coordinating Committee on SDG

Esteemed participants from government agencies, civil society organizations, academia, youth

Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen

Assalamo Alaykum; good morning

I am deeply honored to address you today at the National Pre-HLPF Workshop on Brunei Darussalam's Second Voluntary National Review.

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister's Office for inviting the United Nations to continue to be part of Brunei's journey towards a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.

I recall our previous engagement six and a half months ago, as Brunei Darussalam had just embarked on the path of conducting a thorough and participatory review of its progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs.

Today, I commend the exceptional team behind this second VNR experience, who have demonstrated sincerity, commitment, hard work, and boldness in steering this process. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for the opportunity to witness your dedication.

The evolution of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) over the years has been remarkable. They have evolved from being mere reporting exercises to comprehensive processes that foster multi-stakeholder engagement and mutual learning.

VNRs now serve as platforms for countries to share experiences, strategies, policy measures, and innovative solutions to common development challenges.

It is also through VNRs that countries can gain insights from their own realities, review policies, strengthen data systems, foster partnerships, and advance the crucial agenda of leaving no one behind.

The multistakeholder approach employed in VNRs enhances their quality and credibility. By considering a diverse range of perspectives, we ensure that policies and decisions truly reflect the aspirations and concerns of all stakeholders.

Today's workshop, along with other engagement opportunities, plays a pivotal role in this regard.

Brunei's experience exemplifies the power of an inclusive VNR process that drives tangible results.

It is clear that the world urgently needs progress that lifts people out of vulnerability and addresses the multitude of crises we face.

As a result, progress has been derailed and, in some instances, reversed. On a large number of development indicators, we risk reaching 2030 with barely noticeable improvement. On many goals, such as poverty, food security, health or gender equality, some countries are today where they were decades ago.

While it is disheartening to acknowledge the setbacks and reversals in achieving the SDGs, we must not lose hope.

There are numerous inspiring examples that remind us of the potential for transformative action, the responsibility we bear towards future generations, and the possibility of creating a sustainable and inclusive world by harnessing available resources and taking decisive measures.

The upcoming High-Level Political Forum in July and the SDG Summit in September, along with other global meetings, provide opportunities to redress the course and breathe new life into the 2030 Agenda.

The SDG Summit represents a chance to renew political will, forge stronger partnerships, and mobilize resources for sustainable development.

It will showcase successful practices and initiatives from diverse regions, fostering a sense of optimism.

By prioritizing inclusivity and equity, the summit can galvanize support for targeted actions that uplift those who are furthest behind.

The United Nations stands ready to support Brunei in its preparation of a national commitment to SDG Acceleration.

Being a 2023 VNR country grants Brunei an advantage and an opportunity to utilize the findings to identify the most pressing priorities and chart a transformative pathway towards sustainability.

When crafting your national commitment, we encourage stronger engagement from civil society, the private sector, local and regional governments, youth, universities, the media, and all other stakeholders present here today.

As the VNR report is being finalized, I have no doubt that your deliberations and suggestions will strengthen its messages and further encourage the society as a whole to act on its conclusions and unleash the potential of Brunei Darussalam and make it a success story in the region and globally.

In closing, I express my sincere gratitude for this invaluable opportunity to offer these opening remarks.

Thank you.