Acceleration of SDG implementation in Sri Lanka requires strong global partnerships and cooperation.

The Sixth Regional Symposium on “Effective Governance and Digital Transformation for Accelerating Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Addressing Global Challenges” was held in Incheon, the Republic of Korea from 22 to 24 November 2022. The symposium facilitated expert discussions and reflections on governance and digital transformation required to accelerate the SDG implementation in Asia and the Pacific region.  

The symposium was organized by the UN United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs ( UN DESA)/DPIDG, with support from its Project Office on Governance (UNPOG) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) of the Republic of Korea.

In consideration of the significant role of the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka, Ms. Sheron Hewawaduge, Assistant Director was invited as a speaker at the learning lab session.  

During her intervention, she addressed the current capacity needs required to strengthen governance and digital transformation based on the 2nd Capacity Needs Assessment conducted with public institutions in Sri Lanka.  She further emphasized the importance of developing and implementing a National Capacity Development Plan to accelerate the transformation required for efficient and accountable public service delivery. 

During her participation, she also had a discussion on potential areas for technical collaboration with Mr. Kyu Chang Ko, Head of the United Nations Project Office on Governance (UNPOG), Mr. Keping Yao, Senior Governance and Public Administration Expert, UNPOG/DPIDG/UN DESA and Mi Kyoung Park, Governance and Public Administration Officer, UNPOG/DPIDG/UN DESA. 

The Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka looks forward to receiving the required technical support from UN DESA to develop and implement a Capacity Development Plan to address the governance and technological capacity needs in Sri Lanka’s public institutions.