Republic of Cyprus Second Voluntary National Report - Sustainable development goals

5 KEY INITIATIVES In promoting all three pillars of sustainable development, Cyprus focuses on social inclusion, stimulating innovation and accelerating digitalisation, as well as working towards green transition and reversing the effects of climate change. Adhering to the ‘leaving no one behind’ principle, Cyprus has implemented the following noteworthy initiatives: Social Inclusion • Introduction of the General Health System (GHS), a modern and universal healthcare system, that provides equal access to high quality healthcare services. • Implementation of a multidimensional Strategic Action Plan for the integration of migrants including labour market programmes and vocational orientation. • Adoption of the new National Action Plan for Equality between Men and Women (NAPD) (2019-2023). • Participation of youth in Government decision making through the Children’s Parliament ‘Annual Meeting’ and the launch of the ‘Public Consultation Day’. Innovation and Digitalisation • Establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy to enable and accelerate Cyprus’ digital transformation. • Launch of the new Industrial Policy (2019-2030) seeking transition to a circular economy via policies to enhance sustainable entrepreneurship. Green Transition • Adoption of the new National Governance System for the implementation of the EU Green Deal in Cyprus. • Participation in the Climate Change Actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. • Launch of the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities. BUILDING FORWARD BETTER Cyprus is in the process of preparing a Long-Term Strategy in order to adopt a robust new growth model to strengthen the economy’s resilience and the country’s potential for economically, socially and environmentally sustainable long-term growth and welfare. This objective will be achieved through an appropriate country-specific mix of investments and reforms that have been included in the Programming Plans for the various European Funds with an investment budget of about €3.5 bln in total up to 2030 or 16.6% of GDP. An important tool is the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), with an overall budget of €1.25 bln of investment for the period 2021-2026. The NRRP takes into account the need to mitigate the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and the need to strengthen the foundations of the economy. At the Governance level for the SDGs, Cyprus is implementing a project in cooperation with United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) aiming towards a whole- of-Government approach in implementing a sustainable Development Agenda and at a stronger partnership with all stakeholders. Next steps include among others: • A broader awareness around the SDGs within the Cypriot society, involvement and commitment of all stakeholders including the creation of an online platform: www.initiative2030.gov.cy • The training of Government employees to contribute to the implementation of the SDGs. • A pioneering educational programme for children with activities for each of the 17 SDGs. Cyprus’ coordinated efforts to implement projects, initiatives and actions reflect its commitment towards achieving the vision of the 2030 UN Agenda. The extensive investment plan, including the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) is a key tool towards Cyprus’ effective green and digital transition while leaving no one behind.