SDG will be met with inclusive growth: PM

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 28: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has emphasised on urgent need for global cooperation to address the inequalities that persist across economic, social, and geographic divides. 

Addressing the opening session of the 6th Asian Population Conference held in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Prime Minister Oli called for robust investments in agricultural production and sustainable resource management to combat hunger and poverty, stressing that no one should live without basic necessities of life.

He inaugurated the conference by engaging in a virtual interaction with the mother of a newborn baby at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital.

With the global population now at 8 billion, Prime Minister Oli highlighted the demographic shifts occurring worldwide, particularly in the aging population, noting that in some regions, such as East Asia and Europe, over 20 per cent of the population is aged 65 or older. 

He expressed that the rise in life expectancy should be seen as an achievement and not as a burden, advocating for policies that support aging populations rather than marginalise them. In his remarks, Prime Minister Oli highlighted Nepal’s demographic challenges, including a skewed gender ratio at birth, with 112 males for every 100 females. 

He also pointed out the uneven population distribution of the country, with 54 per cent residing in the plains (Tarai) and only six per cent in the mountains.

Prime Minister Oli stated, “The population density further underscores these disparities, with just 34 people per square kilometre in the mountains, compared to 192 in the hills. As a result, the mountains and hills have become a sanctuary for wildlife, while the plains bear the heavy burden of overpopulation.”

He emphasised the importance of equitable development policies to address these disparities and encourage people to remain in their places of origin, ensuring access to essential resources and services. The Prime Minister also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning the country’s national aspirations with global efforts for inclusive economic growth, quality education, healthcare, and social protection for all citizens.

“For us, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is synonymous with realising our national aspiration: Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali. We envision prosperity as inclusive economic growth, built on the foundation of equity,” he said. 

“This means creating a level-playing field for all, ensuring equitable access to quality education and healthcare as fundamental rights, strengthening social safety nets, and empowering marginalised communities,” the Prime Minister added. 

He clarified that for Nepal, the happiness of its people is the ultimate measure of democratic success. 

“For us happiness represents human development and well-being rooted in shared prosperity. It is reflected in access to justice, protection of human rights, and economic opportunities for every individual,” he added. He urged the international community to unite and ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.

Stating that the conference nears the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in 1994, Prime Minister Oli stressed the relevance of the ICPD principles in today’s world, especially in light of challenges like climate change and COVID-19 like pandemic. 

He called for renewed action to integrate population issues into broader social, economic, and political strategies, emphasising that technology, innovation, and capital must serve humanity and narrow the gap between the rich and poor. 

The conference will conclude on November 30. It will focus on in-depth discussions about the current population mega-trends in Asia, their patterns, and the future outlook.

President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral, President of Asian Population Association Reiko Hayashi and others participated in the opening session of the conference. Various thematic sessions will be conducted at the conference.