long-term planning key to reaching sustainable dev’t goals – NEDA

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) affirmed before ASEAN ministers the country’s commitment to a long-term socioeconomic development planning in line with attaining targets under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In an address delivered during the recently-held ASEAN Ministers’ Workshop 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, NEDA Undersecretary for Planning and Policy Rosemarie Edillon said a long-term planning approach is crucial to effective development planning.

“While the process of formulating development plans has grown more participatory over time, one common shortcoming in national planning is the lack of continuity. Not only are development priorities different each time an administration starts, but also the means of implementation are not always consistent,” Edillon said.

Edillon joined several other government representatives from ASEAN member-states in sharing experiences and challenges in carrying out the UN- initiated Agenda 2030.

Policies and programs can only be aligned with the SDGs if short term fiscal programs and mediumterm development plans are aligned with long-term agenda, she said.

“Adopting a sustainable development paradigm is a major governance reform. The framework for Agenda 2030 sees to it that each segment of society and each generation are accorded the best opportunity for development. However, the short-term planning horizon of governments could be the major obstacle to the successful implementation of Agenda 2030,” Edillon said.

“It is only with a longterm planning horizon that policies and programs can be seen through a sustainable development lens. The challenge, therefore, is to align short-term fiscal programs, medium-term development plans, with the long-term Agenda 2030,” she added.