Cyprus
SLIDE 1
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here today and present the Cyprus National
Review on the implementation of Agenda 2030.
SLIDE 2
Cyprus is a small island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, with an area
that extends to around 9250 square km and a population of approximately
840.000 people. The GDP growth rate has currently risen to 3,3%, with a
per capita income of about 34.000 dollars. Cyprus is, since 2004, a
member of the European Union.
SLIDE 3
My presentation will focus mainly on the domestic implementation of the
goals being reviewed in depth this year at the HLPF, many of which
1
coincide with Cyprus' priorities. The enabling environment aspect will be
presented by an NGO representative.
Our review indicates that we are in good course. We fully meet many of the
targets, through legislation or other policies emanating from national and
European strategies.
Cyprus faced a deep, unprecedented economic crisis that reached its peak
in 2013, which led to the government's inevitable focus on the economic
and social dimensions of policies. Structural and institutional reforms were
promoted, especially in the public sector, the health system and other
sectors, aspiring to lead to breakthrough systemic transformations.
SLIDE 4
Cyprus' institutional mechanism for the implementation of Agenda 2030 is
comprised of Ministries and other governmental services, such as the
Statistical Service, under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A mapping exercise was initiated, aiming to define stakeholders, strategies
and action plans and indicators, if applicable, for each of the targets.
Priorities were set based on the government priorities as well as on what
we consider as horizontal focal areas such as youth.
2
SLIDE 5
The primary concern of the government of the Republic of Cyprus is no
other than for all Cypriots to live in a peaceful society. Our top priority and
aspiration is to achieve a fair and viable, comprehensive settlement of the
Cyprus problem, under the UN auspices.
Additionally, a general focus on youth is defined through the National Youth
Strategy, for the period 2017-2022.
SLIDE 6
Youth is obviously linked to meeting all SDG4 targets, in which Cyprus has
already achieved significant progress, as described in our review.
SLIDE 7
As far as other priorities are concerned, Cyprus focuses more on SDGs 1,
3, 7, 8, 9, as well as SDGs 4, 5 and 14.
3
SLIDE 8
Ladies and gentlemen,
Coming to this year's UN focus:
On SDG 1, although Cyprus has eradicated extreme poverty, due to an
increase of needs for social support stemming from the economic
environment, the reform of the social welfare policy has been an immediate
priority. The National Strategy on Social Policy, adopted for the period
2014-2020 provides for a minimum standard of living for all citizens, while
taking steps to activate, integrate or reintegrate all those in need into the
labor market. A minimum guaranteed income has been introduced and a
single social welfare record created.
We see a direct linkage between ending poverty and health and take pride
in successfully meeting a number of the SDG3 targets in full. A very
important development is that, last month, the Cyprus House of
Representatives voted in favor of the introduction of a National Health Care
System, which will improve the utilization of resources and quality of health
care and reduce inequalities.
4
SLIDE 9
While in Cyprus hunger does not constitute a problem, the 2013 financial
crisis led families to be supported by various food banks. Although the
phenomenon is now almost eliminated, the support of our most vulnerable
citizens continues. The nutritional status of people living in Cyprus is
generally good and my Ministry, in order to tackle the challenge of
nutritional disorders, is very active in promoting good nutriUon in schools.
Although agriculture represents only 3% of the GDP, agricultural products
contribute to approximately 37% of the total exports value. Strengthening
the competiveness of the primary and secondary agricultural sector and
reviving the countryside, is a government priority. The Rural Development
Plan 2014-2020, linked with SDG 2, is the basic strategic tool through
which action is being taken.
As expected in a semi-arid region, vulnerable to climate change, water is a
major issue. All households in Cyprus are connected to public water supply
providing excellent quality of drinking water, as well as improved sanitation
facilities.
Potable water dependency on rainfall has been eliminated through
desalination units and the construction of reservoirs on virtually every
5
stream or river. Water pricing, which takes into consideration environmental
and resource costs, has been in place for many years and is used as a
disincentive for water wastage.
In maxImIzmg the use of our limited water resources the treated
wastewater is a growing and stable resource. All sewage treatment plants
treat wastewater to the degree that can be used directly for irrigation and/or
to recharge aquifers. Currently, more than 74.2% of all treated wastewater
is being reused.
SLIDE 10
On SDG5, Cyprus strives to contribute to this universal goal of gender
equality. We have national legislation in place that protects all women
against gender inequality at work, with special focus on maternity
protection. The Parliament has just approved (14 July) paternity leave
legislation. There is close cooperation between government and relevant
NGOs on issues including domestic violence and human trafficking.
Notable efforts are made, especially on the latter, while challenges still
6
remain, especially as regards gender stereotypes and political participation,
all described in our report.
SLIDE 1.1
With regards to SDG 9, Cyprus is characterized by a light industry, with a
slow but rising growth rate to 2,9% in 2015, a 7% contribution to the
national GDP and 9% contribution in employment. In terms of innovation
and digitalization, Cyprus is a moderate innovator. Towards increasing the
country's performance ratios a new integrated national industrial strategy is
being designed.
SLIDE 12
Being an island, Cyprus is closely linked culturally and economically with
the sea. Our national priorities and targets are based on EU, regional and
international objectives. All our activities in the sea are carried out within
the framework of UNCLOS, which we strongly support at national and
international level.
At regional level, by Cypriot initiative, a sub-regional contingency plan in
dealing with marine pollution incidents, between Cyprus, Greece and Israel,
7
is under preparation, to be completed this year. A similar plan is to be
prepared between Cyprus and Egypt. This was among our commitments at
the UN Oceans Conference.
SLIDE 13
Dear friends,
Progress is observed in all the SDGs, while planning is already in place for
most of them. The Republic of Cyprus takes pride in its success in meeting
a number of targets at a 100% level, many of them in the framework of
SDGs 3 and 4.
Being at the initial stages of implementation of Agenda 2030, it is obvious
that there is more work to be done to fully achieve the SDGs.
The process of drafting this Voluntary National Review has offered the
small-sized administration of Cyprus an opportunity to map the activities
and strategies that can be linked with the SDGs, thus reinforcing the path
towards their achievement. We consider this review a very useful tool and
we urge UN partners to engage in this procedure.
SLIDE 14
8
Before I give the floor to Mr. Sotiris Themistokleous, Associate Director of
the Cypriot Civil Society Organization CARDET, who will speak to you
about the involvement of all stakeholders in Cyprus in achieving the SDGs,
I would like to dedicate this presentation to a dear friend and colleague who
recently passed away. Mary Zoupaniotis was our 2nd Committee delegate
here in NY for ten years and a very passionate supporter and promoter of
the SDGs.
9
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here today and present the Cyprus National
Review on the implementation of Agenda 2030.
SLIDE 2
Cyprus is a small island state in the Eastern Mediterranean, with an area
that extends to around 9250 square km and a population of approximately
840.000 people. The GDP growth rate has currently risen to 3,3%, with a
per capita income of about 34.000 dollars. Cyprus is, since 2004, a
member of the European Union.
SLIDE 3
My presentation will focus mainly on the domestic implementation of the
goals being reviewed in depth this year at the HLPF, many of which
1
coincide with Cyprus' priorities. The enabling environment aspect will be
presented by an NGO representative.
Our review indicates that we are in good course. We fully meet many of the
targets, through legislation or other policies emanating from national and
European strategies.
Cyprus faced a deep, unprecedented economic crisis that reached its peak
in 2013, which led to the government's inevitable focus on the economic
and social dimensions of policies. Structural and institutional reforms were
promoted, especially in the public sector, the health system and other
sectors, aspiring to lead to breakthrough systemic transformations.
SLIDE 4
Cyprus' institutional mechanism for the implementation of Agenda 2030 is
comprised of Ministries and other governmental services, such as the
Statistical Service, under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A mapping exercise was initiated, aiming to define stakeholders, strategies
and action plans and indicators, if applicable, for each of the targets.
Priorities were set based on the government priorities as well as on what
we consider as horizontal focal areas such as youth.
2
SLIDE 5
The primary concern of the government of the Republic of Cyprus is no
other than for all Cypriots to live in a peaceful society. Our top priority and
aspiration is to achieve a fair and viable, comprehensive settlement of the
Cyprus problem, under the UN auspices.
Additionally, a general focus on youth is defined through the National Youth
Strategy, for the period 2017-2022.
SLIDE 6
Youth is obviously linked to meeting all SDG4 targets, in which Cyprus has
already achieved significant progress, as described in our review.
SLIDE 7
As far as other priorities are concerned, Cyprus focuses more on SDGs 1,
3, 7, 8, 9, as well as SDGs 4, 5 and 14.
3
SLIDE 8
Ladies and gentlemen,
Coming to this year's UN focus:
On SDG 1, although Cyprus has eradicated extreme poverty, due to an
increase of needs for social support stemming from the economic
environment, the reform of the social welfare policy has been an immediate
priority. The National Strategy on Social Policy, adopted for the period
2014-2020 provides for a minimum standard of living for all citizens, while
taking steps to activate, integrate or reintegrate all those in need into the
labor market. A minimum guaranteed income has been introduced and a
single social welfare record created.
We see a direct linkage between ending poverty and health and take pride
in successfully meeting a number of the SDG3 targets in full. A very
important development is that, last month, the Cyprus House of
Representatives voted in favor of the introduction of a National Health Care
System, which will improve the utilization of resources and quality of health
care and reduce inequalities.
4
SLIDE 9
While in Cyprus hunger does not constitute a problem, the 2013 financial
crisis led families to be supported by various food banks. Although the
phenomenon is now almost eliminated, the support of our most vulnerable
citizens continues. The nutritional status of people living in Cyprus is
generally good and my Ministry, in order to tackle the challenge of
nutritional disorders, is very active in promoting good nutriUon in schools.
Although agriculture represents only 3% of the GDP, agricultural products
contribute to approximately 37% of the total exports value. Strengthening
the competiveness of the primary and secondary agricultural sector and
reviving the countryside, is a government priority. The Rural Development
Plan 2014-2020, linked with SDG 2, is the basic strategic tool through
which action is being taken.
As expected in a semi-arid region, vulnerable to climate change, water is a
major issue. All households in Cyprus are connected to public water supply
providing excellent quality of drinking water, as well as improved sanitation
facilities.
Potable water dependency on rainfall has been eliminated through
desalination units and the construction of reservoirs on virtually every
5
stream or river. Water pricing, which takes into consideration environmental
and resource costs, has been in place for many years and is used as a
disincentive for water wastage.
In maxImIzmg the use of our limited water resources the treated
wastewater is a growing and stable resource. All sewage treatment plants
treat wastewater to the degree that can be used directly for irrigation and/or
to recharge aquifers. Currently, more than 74.2% of all treated wastewater
is being reused.
SLIDE 10
On SDG5, Cyprus strives to contribute to this universal goal of gender
equality. We have national legislation in place that protects all women
against gender inequality at work, with special focus on maternity
protection. The Parliament has just approved (14 July) paternity leave
legislation. There is close cooperation between government and relevant
NGOs on issues including domestic violence and human trafficking.
Notable efforts are made, especially on the latter, while challenges still
6
remain, especially as regards gender stereotypes and political participation,
all described in our report.
SLIDE 1.1
With regards to SDG 9, Cyprus is characterized by a light industry, with a
slow but rising growth rate to 2,9% in 2015, a 7% contribution to the
national GDP and 9% contribution in employment. In terms of innovation
and digitalization, Cyprus is a moderate innovator. Towards increasing the
country's performance ratios a new integrated national industrial strategy is
being designed.
SLIDE 12
Being an island, Cyprus is closely linked culturally and economically with
the sea. Our national priorities and targets are based on EU, regional and
international objectives. All our activities in the sea are carried out within
the framework of UNCLOS, which we strongly support at national and
international level.
At regional level, by Cypriot initiative, a sub-regional contingency plan in
dealing with marine pollution incidents, between Cyprus, Greece and Israel,
7
is under preparation, to be completed this year. A similar plan is to be
prepared between Cyprus and Egypt. This was among our commitments at
the UN Oceans Conference.
SLIDE 13
Dear friends,
Progress is observed in all the SDGs, while planning is already in place for
most of them. The Republic of Cyprus takes pride in its success in meeting
a number of targets at a 100% level, many of them in the framework of
SDGs 3 and 4.
Being at the initial stages of implementation of Agenda 2030, it is obvious
that there is more work to be done to fully achieve the SDGs.
The process of drafting this Voluntary National Review has offered the
small-sized administration of Cyprus an opportunity to map the activities
and strategies that can be linked with the SDGs, thus reinforcing the path
towards their achievement. We consider this review a very useful tool and
we urge UN partners to engage in this procedure.
SLIDE 14
8
Before I give the floor to Mr. Sotiris Themistokleous, Associate Director of
the Cypriot Civil Society Organization CARDET, who will speak to you
about the involvement of all stakeholders in Cyprus in achieving the SDGs,
I would like to dedicate this presentation to a dear friend and colleague who
recently passed away. Mary Zoupaniotis was our 2nd Committee delegate
here in NY for ten years and a very passionate supporter and promoter of
the SDGs.
9
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