Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

115 The new National Digital Strategy (June 2020) aims to achieve the digital transformation of the public sector, promote the digital transformation of the private sector, and foster innovation in line with the Country’s level of digital maturity. Upgrading infrastructure for connectivity aims to bridge divides and ensure an inclusive digital transformation. It is essential for the realisation of the opportunities of digital transformation to ensure adequate access to communication infrastructures for all citizens. A solid, secured, integrated and modern Government digital architecture will be key to achieve the transformation to a digital Government and society. Digitalising the Government services will enhance the efficiency and/or enable the provision of online, secure and prompt services to citizens and society, in a user friendly, efficient and effective way which will ultimately facilitate the interaction with public services, without the need for physical presence. Social Inclusion and ‘Leaving No One Behind’ Equal opportunities for all is a high priority for Cyprus and can be summarised in two main objectives; namely, the elimination of legislative discrimination in all areas of law, and the consolidation of the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination in practice, which presupposes, inter alia, a change of mentality, the promotion of specific programmes that support vulnerable groups, and the integration of the principle of equal opportunities and nondiscrimination into all programmes and policies. Reforms and investments will be geared towards mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis and ensuring that no person is left behind by bridging gender equality gaps and safeguarding equal opportunities for all. To narrow the gap on improving across the challenges recognised today, it is necessary to improve on existing and introduce new legislative measures and organisational mechanisms, create additional shelters for violence victims, raise public awareness, improve research and conduct studies, train professionals in related areas, establish a code of ethics, increase the involvement of social partners in gender equalitymatters and enhance female entrepreneurship. In supporting the reduction of existing gender gaps in employment, pay and representation in decision-making positions, measures will be promoted towards reskilling and upskilling, securing better education and life-long training as well as affordable early childcare services, provide the support and create the conditions necessary to allow for better accessibility to a wider spectrum of employment opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the need to further improve and modernise the health care system and complete the implementation of the sector’s reform. The structural challenges in the healthcare sector require the establishment of a health system that focuses on prevention, social provision and continuous upgrading of the provided services based on professionalism and respect, equally to all citizens. In the area of education new challenges were brought to the foreground by the pandemic, namely the need to speed up the digital transformation of schools, while making sure that no child is left behind. Enhancing digital skills in schools (students, teachers, administrative staff) and facilitating distance learning supports and provides opportunities for the development of young people. SDG Coordination Mechanism As stated in our 2017 VNR, the review goes beyond a reporting exercise and envisions towards the SDGs becoming a real policy and action agenda that will enhance the well- being of people everywhere. A preliminary overview of the sustainable development governance in Cyprus pointed to the need for strengthening the country’s SDG coordination mechanism. A project titled “Implementation and mainstreaming of the SDGs in the national policy framework in Cyprus” was launched in December 2020 with the view to utilise the coordination mechanism as an effective tool not only for conducting regular reviews of progress at the national level, but also for informing sectoral policies and programmes with SDGs, improving horizontal coordination and coherence of policies