BACKGROUND
The 2030 Agenda, adopted in 2015, is a global development framework, which guides development policy and practice at national, regional and global levels until 2030. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an integral part of the 2030 Agenda, are a call to action to end poverty worldwide, to protect the planet, and to promote peace and prosperity for everyone, everywhere.
The SDGs do not constitute a process that is separate but rather a framework for action on different streams of work in development and environmental conservation. The 2030 Agenda, therefore, reaches across all aspects of government, including parliamentary business.
Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to steer its country’s sustainable development directly impacts SDG implementation and plays an integral role in realizing the 2030 Agenda by representing the interests of citizens and localizing the implementation of the SDGs through deliberate efforts to ensure action at the national level.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Parliament Open Day 2019, themed “The Role of Parliament in realizing Agenda 2030” will bring together Members of Parliament, key agencies of the United Nations in Nairobi and Development Partners to critically examine the important role of Parliamentarians for the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
OBJECTIVES OF THE OPEN DAY
Promote SDGs awareness at Parliamentary level.
Highlight the SDGs mainstreaming into the legislative, oversight and budget process.
Invite MPs to play voluntary roles in platforms that promote implementation of the SDGs.
Enhance partnerships with various UN Agencies and CSOs towards implementation of SDGs.
Launching of the SDGs and Business Caucus Strategic Plan.
ROLE OF MPs IN 2030 AGENDA
As the elected representatives, Parliamentarians have a critical role to play in driving forward people-centered development that is reflective of and responsive to the needs of the electorate. In recent times, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of engaging parliamentarians in efforts to advance environmentally-sensitive, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Through their mandate in making laws and overseeing government policies and programs, enacting and scrutinizing the government budget and representing the views of their constituents, Parliamentarians are valuable partners in ensuring the accountable, inclusive, participatory and transparent governance that is necessary to achieve sustainable development for all.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF THE OPEN DAY
Increased awareness of the SDGs among Parliamentarians.
Localization of SDGs in the Kenyan context.
Support for SDGs Legislative frameworks.
Increased advocacy on SDGs financing within Parliament.
ABOUT KENYA PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS ON SDGS & BUSINESS
Kenya Parliamentary Caucus on SDGs & Business was convened In September 2017 and approved by the speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi pursuant to Standing Order number 259. The Caucus works towards promoting Sustainable Development Goals and Responsive Business through Legislation, Representation, Oversight and Partnerships. Currently the Caucus has a membership of 30 Members of Parliament.