Sustainable Development Goals: Honduras

                                             Photo by Bill Wegener on Unsplash

The path towards achieving the sustainable development goals has been a difficult one. It requires complete dedication of these countries and they must make it their priority in order for them to be successful. Achieving these goals, specifically goal 2 to end hunger, will be very beneficial for their residents. For example, "Chronic undernutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infections, increases the frequency and severity of infections, and contributes to delayed recovery" (United Nations, 2020). Fortunately, “The Government of Honduras is committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda and has established a process to facilitate the participation of government institutions, sectoral cabinets, cooperation agencies, private sector, local government and other actors to implement SDG” (GWP, 2019). As one of the poorest countries in the world, Honduras may face many obstacles in completing these goals. As reported, "Poverty rates are higher among rural and indigenous people and in the south, west, and along the eastern border than in the north and central areas where most of Honduras' industries and infrastructure are concentrated" (CIA, 2020). It is currently on of their priorities, this however, does not mean it will be easily accomplished. The advantage is their motivation towards implementing this program. Climate change has affected this journey and has changed the way they are approaching it. According to the United Nations, "Poor and developing countries, particularly least developed countries, will be among those most adversely affected and least able to cope with the anticipated shocks to their social, economic and natural systems" (2018).

 One of the many challenges, "There is a need to align and harmonize efforts between government, private enterprise, universities and others to overcome fragmentation, contribute to the strengthening of the sector and close the existing investment gaps" (GWP, 2019). In order to be most successful, the government has to come to terms and plan a national budget. The sustainable development goals will be monitored by each government and they will be required to track it. According to The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), "achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will take between US$5 to $7 trillion, with an investment gap in developing countries of about $2.5 trillion" (UNDP, 2017).

    Photo by Angie Aguilar on Unsplash

References: 

https://www.gwp.org/globalassets/global/about-gwp/publications/sdgs/1pager_sdg-hnvsfin.pdf

https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2016/Goal-02/       

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_ho.html    
https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2017/7/13/What-kind-of-blender-do-we-need-to-finance-the-SDGs-.html           
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/climatechange