GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten will dedicate the month of September to raising public awareness about eight United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a month-long information campaign culminating in an SDG Expo on September 25.
The campaign will run from September 1 through September 30 and will focus on how sustainable development issues connect directly to everyday life in St. Maarten, from food security and clean water to infrastructure, climate change and protection of the marine environment.
Government will place particular attention on eight SDGs: Zero Hunger; Clean Water and Sanitation; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; and Partnerships for the Goals.
Throughout the month, Government's social media platforms will share information aimed at helping residents better understand what the SDGs are, why they matter to St. Maarten and how individuals, businesses and organizations can contribute to achieving them.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said the goals should not be viewed only as international commitments, but as issues closely connected to the country's own development and the quality of life of its people.
He pointed to food security, access to clean water, resilient infrastructure, responsible development, climate action and protection of the marine environment as areas that directly affect St. Maarten's present and future.
Mercelina stressed that Government cannot achieve sustainable development on its own and that progress will require participation from the private sector, civil society and residents. He also encouraged young people in particular to learn more about the goals and consider how they can contribute to building a stronger and more resilient country.
As part of the awareness campaign, SDG billboards will be installed along Soualiga Boulevard throughout September.
The campaign will culminate on Friday, September 25, with an SDG Expo from 7:00pm to 11:00pm at the parking area across from the Central Bank on Soualiga Boulevard.
The expo will feature participating organizations and vendors showcasing projects, activities and initiatives connected to the eight featured goals. Members of the public will be able to interact directly with organizations working in areas related to sustainable development and learn more about their work.
September 25 will also be observed as SDG Flag Day, when countries throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands will raise their respective SDG flags in recognition of the global commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Government said the overall objective is to bring sustainable development closer to the public by encouraging greater awareness, discussion, partnerships and community participation.
Residents are encouraged to follow Government's official communication channels throughout September for information on the featured goals and updates related to the SDG Expo.
