Conflict, insecurity, weak institutions and limited access to justice remain a great threat to sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored these challenges, creating disruptions to the functioning of governments and their delivery of critical functions, including the provision of basic services, law enforcement and a functioning justice system. In many countries, temporary changes in rules and processes have been implemented in order to protect people at greatest risk and to ensure effective delivery of such functions.
The UN Secretary-General has called for governments to be transparent, responsive and accountable and ensure that emergency measures are proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory, noting that “The best response is one that responds proportionately to immediate threats while protecting human rights and the rule of law”.
How can we build strong public institutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) and for building back better and recovering from the pandemic? How can we put the principle of leaving no one behind into action during these challenging times? What concrete steps should be taken to address exclusion and inequalities? These are some of the questions to be considered by the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration (CEPA) at its upcoming session.
The Committee, comprising 24 members, meets annually to support governments in their pursuit of building effective public administration and governance for the SDGs.
The 20th session of CEPA will be held virtually from 12th to 21st April under the theme “Building inclusive, effective & resilient institutions for sustainable recovery from COVID-19 and implementation of the SDGs”. The Committee will explore key institutional aspects in achieving sustainable development, including strengthening the analytical basis for reform policies, integrating the SDGs into national and subnational budgeting and financial management, sustainable public procurement, impact of the pandemic on essential workers in the public sector, and building strong institutions in conflict-affected countries. It will be broadcast live on UN WebTV
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