Page 170 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

Impetus for Political Actors to Lobby for

SDGs — Parliamentarians’ Role

First of all, on behalf of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians against Corruption
(GOPAC), allow me to extend my gratitude to this forum.

I am delighted and honored to be here in Siem Reap today, particularly with such distinguished
and knowledgeable young political leaders. Thank you for having me on this important
discussion, and giving me the opportunity to talk about the Impetus for Political Actors to
Lobby for SDGs, particularly on the Role of Parliamentarians.

Allow me to convey the issue of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and begin with
highlighting the pivotal role of Parliamentarians in shaping the political impetus for development
agenda. As we are all aware, the SDGs — a wide-ranging roadmap to sustainability covering 17
goals and 169 targets — is ground breaking in its vision for a more inclusive, prosperous and
equal world. It seeks to address the full spectrum of development challenges facing countries
and communities, and should provide benefit to the vulnerable and most marginalized people.
By committing to the “leave no one behind,” all stakeholders are expected to take part
in implementing the SDGs at the local, national, and international levels. This includes
Parliamentarians, which I believe are obviously at the forefront of those imperatives.

As the elected representatives of their people, Parliamentarians have a crucial role to play
in driving forward people-centered development that is reflective of and responsive to the
needs of their constituents. Through their constitutional mandates — for instance, in making
laws, enacting and scrutinizing the government budget, overseeing government policies and
programs, as well as representing the views of their constituents — Parliamentarians are
valuable partners in ensuring accountable, inclusive, participatory and transparent sustainable
development for all.

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 157