09/12/2021 16:02
Society, environment and economy need to be at the core of sustainable development for the benefit of future generations, a Conference held in Nicosia on Thursday debated.
The Conference titled "Citizens, Politicians and Politics: Cooperation for 2030 Agenda" was organized by the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development, the Office of the Commissioner for the Citizens and the Department for Environment and Sustainable Development of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute.
House President Annita Demetriou in her speech said that sustainable development must address the crucial challenges the planet is faced with today, adding that politicians need to generate policies for the citizens. She also referred to the role of the Parliament as the institution that holds the compass for the implementation of various policies.
Demetriou also mentioned the goal for gender equality.
Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides said that economy needs to be sustainable and has to meet the needs of today without jeopardizing the needs of the future generations. He also said that sustainable development focuses on environmental development, social justice and fiscal growth which need to interconnect in a sustainable framework.
The Minister said that the government focuses on the goals of sustainability set both by the EU and the UN that have to do with energy sustainability of buildings, management of water resources, climate crisis, sustainable urban mobility, circular economy etc.
Director of the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development Georgia Christofidou in her speech noted that the Conference takes place in times of huge changes adding that all countries need to work for the common good for peace, welfare for their citizens and the planet. She mentioned the urgent need for action as regards the climate crisis adding that the Directorate is preparing a strategic plan to this end.