Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you Chair,
New Zealand remains strongly committed to the 2030 Agenda and the realisation of the SDGs.
On SDG 6, New Zealand recognises that safe, reliable, and resilient water services are fundamental to health, wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Domestically, we are improving the performance and resilience of our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services, and strengthening our water governance and resource management, to improve water quality outcomes and protect freshwater ecosystems.
Internationally, New Zealand works to strengthen water security and resilience in the Pacific, through improved access to safe and climate-resilient water supplies, stronger water governance and resource management, and improved sanitation.
On SDG 7, domestically, we are experiencing some of the highest levels of renewable generation in decades, and our Electrify New Zealand policy seeks to double New Zealand’s renewable energy by 2050.
Internationally, New Zealand has long supported our developing country partners to meet their renewable energy targets, particularly in the Pacific.
On SDG 9, New Zealand is focused on strengthening the resilience of its critical infrastructure through a whole-of-government approach.
Internationally, New Zealand recognises the impacts of climate change and natural hazards on infrastructure and livelihoods. In the Pacific, we partner with governments and regional organisations to support resilient infrastructure planning, sustainable financing, technical capability, and access to data, standards, and advice.
On SDG 11, New Zealand is committed to ensuring safe, liveable cities which enable economic development and support health and wellbeing. The new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport in New Zealand will support government and communities to plan for growth, invest in the right infrastructure, manage environmental limits, and reduce long-term risks.
Internationally, to strengthen urban climate and economic resilience, New Zealand supports initiatives that build capability in urban planning, land management, deliver nature-based solutions to reduce urban flood risk, and develop and maintain sustainable urban infrastructure.
Finally, on SDG 17, amid global fiscal pressures, New Zealand remains committed to encouraging sustained international investment in our Pacific region while delivering partner-led development cooperation, promoting inclusive and sustainable trade, supporting lower remittance costs, strengthening data systems, and working with governments, communities, regional organisations, the private sector, and civil society to accelerate SDG progress.
Thank you Chair.