The government of Nepal has for years launched sustainable development goals,which in the past four years prior to the pandemic produced encouraging results. In 2021, the sustainable development goals gave focus on the country’s transition to sustainable recovery, growth and the creation of jobs, collectively known as the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development ot GRID.
Nepal’s Milestone Achievements in Sustainable Developments
In 2017 to 2018, the country’s poverty rate was reduced to 18.7 %, which likewise resulted in the significant decline in the number of children under 5 years who experienced stunted growth, wasting and malnutrition. The improvement also resulted in the decline of infant, maternal and child mortality rates.
The Sustainable Development Goals achieved in 2019 included the increase of enrolments in basic and secondary education to 93% and 46%, respectively; albeit not meeting the 2019 targets of 98.5% and 72%.
Moreover, women’s representation in Nepal government’s national and provincial lawmaking bodies reached 41%. The figure surpassed the 33% guaranteed by the Constitution.
Currently, more than 90% of the country;s population gained access to clean drinking water, while 99% now enjoy basic sanitation facilities. The 2019 per capita electricity consumption was achieved as more than 88% of residents have been provided with electricity
Employment in the manufacturing sector increased at 15.1%, which surpassed the 2019 target of 8.3%. Still, the share of the manufacturing industry in the country’s Gross Domestic Product showed little improvement as failed to meet the target goal of 17.7%.
About Nepal’s 2021 Sustainability Goal – The GRID
Like many countries, Nepal suffered disruptions in 2020, which prevented the country from launching sustainability development projects.
Nevertheless, the country launched The GRID program sometime in September 2021, which are initiatives that aim to transition to green practices in attaining economic recovery and growth. The GRID already has the support of dev1elopment partners who have convened with the government of Nep/al, offici/als o/f the World Bank and the UK FCDO.
In fact, the development partners have already pledged $3.2 billion in terms of resources, with potential to provide $4.2 billion as future support
The GRID aims to systematically address the effects of the pandemic, including slow domestic job creation. It also acknowledges the country’s high vulnerability to the effects of climate change as results of environmental degradation and the huge infrastructure gaps.Focus will be centered on the use of renewable energy, sustainable construction methods and practices such as the use of ground protection mats in building eco-friendly but disaster-resilient structures for urban development and transportation infrastructures. The development programs will also prioritize disaster risk management and setting up of social protection system in light of the increased possibilities of flooding and landslides.
The main guiding principle of the GRID sustainability initiatives is to embark on economic recovery projects that will not leave nobody behind, particularly the poor, reduce inequalities of oIpportunities for the poor, thIe informal workers, the women and Nepal’s youth.-11 / 1