PORTLAND, Jamaica (JIS) — Residents of Portland were given the opportunity to highlight concerns and make recommendations towards Jamaica’s progress in attaining the sustainable development goals (SDGs), at the recent staging of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Dialogue for Development Lecture Series.

The event was held at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Port Antonio on Tuesday.

It was the second in the series, and was held under the theme: ‘The Jamaica We Want: Vision 2030 Jamaica, advancing the SDGs…leaving no one behind’.

Highlighting the importance of the lecture series, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Communication at PIOJ, Marcia Blake-Hall noted that the aim is to gain additional feedback from Jamaicans that will inform policy formulation and programme development.

“The dialogue this year is particularly important, as we examine how the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be translated into action at the national level,” Blake- Hall said.

The SDGs are part of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the General Assembly in September 2015. It emphasises a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all.

“For Jamaica, the implementation of the SDGs is a priority, as Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan, is hinged on the principle of inclusive growth and sustainable development. So, the lecture series is designed to enhance the knowledge of the SDGs, tell how they will be implemented in Jamaica and to facilitate dialogue with respect to the role of all citizens in our National Development Plan,” the senior director explained.

During the staging of the series in Portland, focus was placed on developments in the Parish, in relation to agriculture, the environment, health, youth and tourism.

A panel discussion with specialists in the fields of development, the environment, public health, agriculture and education updated residents on the progress that is being made by Jamaica in attaining the global SDGs which aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

The highlight of the event was a speaking competition dubbed ‘The Jamaica I Want’ which featured nine students from high schools and institutions within the parish.

The PIOJ’s Dialogue for Development Lecture Series is targeted at senior secondary school students and tertiary students, leaders of community organisations, leaders of civil society groups and non-government organisations and technical staff in ministries, departments and agencies.

The first session in the lecture series was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on October 12.

The third and final session will be held on December 5 at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters in Mona, St Andrew.