The Permanent Mission of Jamaica, along with Canada, is spearheading an initiative to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were unanimously adopted by the international community in September 2015. The SDGs establish specific goals and corresponding targets to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all” by 2030 (http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/).

This joint Jamaican/Canadian initiative culminated in the establishment in December 2016 of a Group of Friends comprising UN Member States, the private sector and other stakeholders. The Group will provide a platform to collectively discuss and promote solution-oriented ideas to unlock the funds needed to finance the implementation of the SDGs.