Background on the SDG Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that aim to end poverty, protect the environment and climate, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. They are important to Canada and the Caribbean because they reflect shared values and aspirations for a better world.
The UN was instrumental in the development of the goals and the consensus that was reached in 2015 to approve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The UN website on the Sustainable Development Goals provides details on the goals and also provides annual assessments of their implementation. THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development
The UN website provides a comprehensive and interactive map that allows for country-specific progress on implementation to be tracked.
SDG Implementation in Canada and Caricom
Canada and CARICOM Member States are committed to advancing the SDGs through dialogue, participation, and collaboration.
Canada, for it’s part, has launched a national strategy, a data hub, and a funding program to support the implementation of the SDGs in Canada and abroad. Details can be found at the following website; Canada and the Sustainable Development Goals
CARICOM is also working closely with the UN, and international partners such as Canada, to achieve the SDGs in the region. It has signed a multi-country Sustainable Development Framework that aligns with the SDGs, the SAMOA Pathway, and the human rights framework. The framework focuses on six priority areas: inclusive, equitable and prosperous Caribbean; healthy Caribbean; safe, cohesive and just Caribbean; sustainable and resilient Caribbean; culturally rich and vibrant Caribbean; and effective and responsive Caribbean. CARICOM, United Nations Recommit to Achieving SDGs in the Region
While all countries face challenges to achieve the SDGs, CARICOM Member States must deal with some complex ones.
- External shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions that affect their economic and social stability.
- High levels of indebtedness that limit their fiscal space, access to concessional funding, and ability to invest in public services and infrastructure.
- Climate change and environmental degradation that threaten their natural resources, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
- Structural constraints such as small size, limited diversification, high dependence on imports, low productivity, and social inequalities
Canada-CARICOM SDG Partnership
Both Canada and CARICOM recognize the importance of partnerships for the goals (SDG 17), which calls for enhancing cooperation, coordination, and resource mobilization among all stakeholders.
Of particular note is the partnership that has been created between the Prime Minister of Barbados and the Prime Minister of Canada. As announced by the UN Secretary General (see UN Press Release) Prime Ministers Mottley and Trudeau chair a global network in support of implementation of the SDGs. This partnership has involved the two leaders in frequent discussions on the SDGs, and in a number of media events to promote implementation.
Bilateral Meetings
March 30, 2023 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
Feb 16, 2023 Barbados & Canada Hold Bilateral Talks
Feb 16, 2023 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
Dec 19, 2022 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
June 9, 2022 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
April 6, 2022 Prime Minister to co-chair the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group
Media Events
April 23, 2023 PMs Mottley/Trudeau at SDG Roundtable at UN
June 7, 2022 Global Citizen Event ‘Short-Term Thinking’ Got Us Into the Climate Crisis, PM Justin Trudeau Says