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Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The SDGs comprise 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at achieving a sustainable world with no poverty, hunger, disease, violence, and access to quality education, health care, clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. While the goals envision an ideal world, they may be difficult to achieve globally by 2030. Cross-disciplinary research is needed to understand how progress on one goal could impact others. Some targets are on track but many will be challenging to meet. Achieving the goals will require effort from governments, private organizations, and individuals around the world working collaboratively.

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Naimish Agarwal
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33 views9 pages

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The SDGs comprise 17 goals and 169 targets aimed at achieving a sustainable world with no poverty, hunger, disease, violence, and access to quality education, health care, clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. While the goals envision an ideal world, they may be difficult to achieve globally by 2030. Cross-disciplinary research is needed to understand how progress on one goal could impact others. Some targets are on track but many will be challenging to meet. Achieving the goals will require effort from governments, private organizations, and individuals around the world working collaboratively.

Uploaded by

Naimish Agarwal
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SLII Task 2

SUBMITTED BY-
NAIMISH AGARWAL
SUMMER INTERN TRAINEE
1. The SDGs comprise 17 Goals and 169 Targets broadly covering all
aspect of socio-economical, environmental and climate issues. Aren't
they too many or too few in number? Do you think these goals can be met
within the timeframe of 2030?
The Vision of UN from these 17 goals and 169 targets is to achieve a world free of
hunger, poverty, disease and a world where all life can live with no fear and violence.
A world with equitable and universal access to quality education at all levels, to health
care and social protection, where physical, mental and social well-being are assured.
A world where each and everyone gets clean drinking water and sanitation, where
food is sufficient for all and many more. Basically, the vision is to achieve a world with
no problems at all, an ideal world.

According to me as a student and my research from reading different articles and my


knowledge, the goals and targets are sufficient, but the real question is: Are these
goals achievable?

“Sustainable development goals only achievable through cross-disciplinary research”

It is not possible to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDG) if science does
not contribute with cross-disciplinary knowledge and understanding of how systems
are interconnected. We say that these goals are interconnected, if we work for the
progress of one goal it may counteract the advancement of other goal. For example,
food production is expanded in order to achieve the global goal of zero hunger, this
may simultaneously work against the global goals of preventing climate change and
protecting and preserving life on land. It is such interactions between systems that
researchers and universities need to research in a cross-disciplinary manner.

In 2019 a research was done and one of the conclusion was made that at the global
level, it seems difficult to achieve many of the goals. The report showed that only a
few targets from 169 are on track.

In conclusion, the answer to the question about achieving these 17 goals, according
to me will be that, we will be able to improve the quality of living and achieve some of
the goals if and only if every country, group or an individual work together on their level
in cross-disciplinary manner to achieve the same.
2. If Governments around the world are already working for the welfare of
their citizens, what additional role do Sustainable Development Goals
play? How do SDGs guide Governments on public policy?

These goals set a clear road map by which optimum growth can be achieved, making
earth a better place. Considering this is a road map for the next 15 years (from 2015
to 2030), issues that might manifest themselves with time are also taken into
consideration and targets have been set accordingly. The SDGs have evolved to
provide flexibility to nations and organisations alike to develop action plans to achieve
the set targets.

India along with other countries has signed the declaration on the 2030 agenda for
sustainable development thereby adhering to the 17 SDGs and the 169 targets. India
has set itself ambitious targets for implementation of SDGs by aligning it with the
national development agenda. This is a big achievement, as now until 2030 the
policies developed at the national level are expected to address various SDGS with
their overall planning and large investments which need to be allocated for overall
sustainable growth. However, achievement of the goals may not be possible with
government initiatives alone, it needs a high level collaboration between the
government, private sector and the civil society.

So we can say that the Sustainable development goals provide a clear path to achieve
these goals and targets for the government and the organizations working for the
same.
3. Are private companies also trying to achieve SDGs within their
ecosystems? If yes, can you please provide some examples of the same?

In the ordinary course of business, a company is operating in ways that


enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to them by
engaging in CSR activities.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a


company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By
practicing corporate social responsibility, companies can be conscious of the kind of
impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and
environmental.

Corporate social responsibility is a broad concept that can take many forms depending
on the company and industry. Through CSR programs, philanthropy, and volunteer
efforts, businesses can benefit society while boosting their brands.

As important as CSR is for the community, it is equally valuable for a company. CSR
activities can help forge a stronger bond between employees and corporations, boost
morale and help both employees and employers feel more connected with the world
around them.

Example, Starbucks is a leader in creating corporate social responsibility programs


in many aspects of its business. According to the company, Starbucks has achieved
many of its CSR milestones since it opened its doors. According to its 2019 Global
Social Impact Report, these milestones include reaching 99% of ethically sourced
coffee, creating a global network of farmers, pioneering green building throughout its
stores, contributing millions of hours of community service, and creating a ground-
breaking college program for its partner/employees.

Starbucks' goals for 2020 and beyond include hiring 10,000 refugees, reducing the
environmental impact of its cups, and engaging its employees in environmental
leadership. Today there are many socially responsible companies whose brands are
known for their CSR programs, such as Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Everlane, a
clothing retailer.

Coca-Cola’s massive fleet of delivery trucks contributed 3.7 million metric tons of
greenhouse gases to the world. They have made major changes to their supply chain
practices including investing in new alternatively fuelled trucks. Their initiatives are
intended to create a 25% reduction in their carbon footprint by 2020.
4. How enforceable are the SDGs? If a nation makes no efforts to make
sure SDG targets are met, what penalties can be enforced upon that
nation?

The goals are not binding, that means, countries are not penalised for not acting on
them. It is also not clear who will implement them. Nevertheless, countries are
expected to take ownership and establish a national framework for achieving the 17
Goals. Implementation and success will rely on countries’ own sustainable
development policies, plans and programmes. Countries have the primary
responsibility for follow-up and review, at the national, regional and global levels, with
regard to the progress made in implementing the Goals and targets by 2030.

The critics refer these goals as wishes as these goals are not legally bond.

It is not enough to specify, however exactly, what needs to be done; governments


must also agree, for each specific task, who is responsible for ensuring that it actually
will get done. If no such division of labour is agreed upon, then all we have is a long
list of Sustainable Development Wishes along with the pious hope that economic
growth and charitable activities will move things far enough in the right direction.
5. How are SDGs funded? Can a nation take a loan from an international
institution (like the World Bank) to meet its SDG targets? If yes, please
provide one or more examples of the same.

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, annual investment requirements


across all sectors have been estimated at around $5-7 trillion. Current investment
levels are far from the scale needed. With global financial assets estimated at over
$200 trillion, financing is available, but most of these resources are not being
channelled towards sustainable development at the scale and speed necessary to
achieve the SDGs and objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Interest and investment in the Sustainable Development Goals are growing and
investment in the Goals makes economic sense. Achieving the SDGs could open up
US$12 trillion of market opportunities and create 380 million new jobs by 2030.

The Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance, a UN-


supported coalition of 30 business leaders announced in October 2019, works
to provide decisive leadership in mobilizing resources for sustainable development
and identifying incentives for long-term sustainable investments.
6. How is the achievement of SDGs globally monitored and measured?
Does your home country measure its SDG targets? If yes, how? Where
can your home country's SDG data be tracked (any report or portal)?

In order to reach the year 2030 with fulfilment guarantees of these purposes it is
necessary to follow up the implementation of the SDGs. There are United Nations
official initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which
monitors the activity of countries and regions in the work of implementing the SDGs
and also records the information.

For its part, the Bertelsmann business group publishes an annual report with the
collaboration of hundreds of public and private organizations that compiles a thorough
analysis of the implementation level of the Sustainable Development Goals in at least
80% of the countries included in the 2030 Agenda with a population of over one million
inhabitants.

The global achievement of the goals is determined by the SDG Index and Dashboard,
a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 is the worst level of implementation and 100 means full
compliance with the targets. In this ranking, Sweden (84.5), Denmark (83.9), Norway
(82.3) and Finland (81) top the leading positions, mainly due to their good performance
in social and economic issues, although the data show that they must still work on the
transition to a low carbon economy.

By contrast, African countries like the Central African Republic (26.1), Liberia (30.5),
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (31.3) or Niger (31.4) are in the queue. They
share lacks in all aspects, especially poverty, hunger, education, and peace and
justice.

For its part, Spain ranks 30th with 72.2; Chile is 42nd with 67.2; Mexico is 56th with
63.4; Peru is 81st with 58.4 and Colombia is 91st (57.2). In addition, countries like the
United States is in the 25th place with 72.7; Canada is 13th with 76.8; Australia is 20th
with 74.5 and the United Kingdom is 10th with 78.1.

When analysing the performance of each country, the report emphasizes the goals in
which states stand out positively or negatively. Taking as an example some countries
from each continent, we show some of the goals that they fulfil well, regular or still do
not fulfil:

• EUROPE - Spain: fulfils Gender equality. Regular in Sustainable cities and


communities and Peace, justice and strong institutions. Needs to improve in Zero
hunger and Quality education.
• EUROPE - United Kingdom: fulfils No poverty and Partnership for goals. Regular in
Good health and well-being and Decent work and economic growth. Needs to
improve in Zero hunger and Affordable and clean energy.

• AMERICA - Mexico: doesn't fulfil any goal. Regular in Gender equality and Climate
action. Needs to improve in No poverty and Zero hunger.

• AMERICA - United States: fulfils Clean water and sanitation and Industry, innovation
and infrastructure. Regular in Good health and well-being and Quality. Needs to
improve in Climate action and Peace, justice and strong institutions.

• OCEANIA - Australia: fulfils Good health and well-being and Sustainable cities and
communities. Regular in Industry, innovation and infrastructure and Responsible
production and consumption. Needs to improve in Affordable and clean energy and
Life below water.

• ASIA – China: fulfils Quality education and Decent work and economic
growth. Regular in No poverty and Gender equality. Needs to improve in Climate
action and Life on land.

• ASIA – India: doesn't fulfil any goal. Regular in Reduced inequalities and Partnership
for goals. Needs to improve in Zero hunger and Peace, justice and strong
institutions.

• AFRICA – South Africa: fulfils in Gender equality. Regular in Sustainable cities and
communities. Needs to improve in Clean water and sanitation and Affordable and
clean energy.

After the ratification of the Sustainable Development Goals, there is still a long way to
go to achieve full implementation in all Member States, although it there are still more
than nine years of work ahead.

India also makes an annual report to measure its achievements in the field of
sustainability under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
7. How can you contribute to the SDGs? Which SDG Goal would you like
to personally focus and work on? What are some initial ideas of the kind
of work you would like to do on your selected Goal?

The Sustainable Development Goals are ambitious, but even the smallest individual
initiatives count in the effort to save our planet.

Contribution of each individual is equally important, my contribution towards the SDGs


can be by bringing awareness among the people in my society, my friends, my family
etc. Awareness like

• Telling them not to drive fast or drive while using phone, that will help to achieve
target 3.6 (By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road
traffic accidents)
• By telling them not to be judgemental to differences but be open-minded and
embrace differences and learn from people different than you and to be helpful,
be a friend and take your time to listen to peoples’ different opinions and
situations, which will help to achieve Goal 10.
• By telling them to donate what they don’t use – clothes, books, furniture, food,
Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups, Use reusable cloth bags rather
than plastic, which will help to achieve target 12.5: (substantially reduce waste
generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse)
• And many more…

I would like to work on GOAL 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING

Specifically on a part of target 3.4 i.e., to promote mental health and well-being.

I’m not a mental health expert and even I’m not qualified enough to give mental health
advice of any kind to anyone, but this is an issue that is neglected in most of the
families in India. Anxiety is very common now-a-days among the students of my age
which may further lead to many mental diseases and suicide. My contribution towards
this specific area will be to aware people about the prevailing problems among
students because of the increased competition in every field.

Even I have done a ‘nukkad natak’ (street play), with the Dramatics Club of my college,
on the topic of Depression, named ‘Kuch Nahi’, showing how family members and
friends can even pressurise someone unwillingly and what are the consequences of it
and what is the solution for this problem.

So, I would like to work on Goal 3 ‘Good health and wellbeing’, focusing on target 3.4.

Common questions

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SDGs facilitate collaboration among governments, private sectors, and civil society by providing a framework that requires collective action for global challenges. This collaboration is essential as the achievement of the SDGs is not feasible with government initiatives alone and requires large investments and cross-sectoral coordination . However, challenges arise from the potential conflicts between goals; for example, increasing food production to eradicate hunger might exacerbate climate change or lead to environmental degradation . Therefore, stakeholders must work in unison while carefully balancing the progress of one goal against potential drawbacks to another, often requiring innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches .

SDGs provide a comprehensive framework that guides governments in shaping public policies to address global challenges. They serve as a roadmap by identifying key target areas that require attention, allowing governments to align these goals with national priorities. By integrating SDGs into development agendas, governments can ensure that their policies effectively address both current and future issues, fostering sustainable growth. This integration facilitates policy coherence and the allocation of resources towards long-term development objectives . It also encourages cross-sectoral collaboration, vital for achieving meaningful progress .

The global achievement of SDGs is monitored through initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, which compiles and records progress data. An important tool used is the SDG Index and Dashboard, which provides a scale from 0 to 100 to evaluate each country’s implementation level. Reports from organizations like Bertelsmann compile thorough analyses, measuring implementation levels in different countries and pinpointing areas needing improvement . Additionally, countries like India track their SDG progress through annual reports under national entities such as the Ministry of Statistics .

CSR initiatives positively impact a company’s relationship with its stakeholders by aligning business objectives with societal and environmental responsibilities, thereby enhancing brand reputation. For example, by investing in CSR, companies like Starbucks have bolstered employee morale, created stronger bonds with communities, and improved their public image. This cultivates trust and loyalty among customers and stakeholders, thereby increasing a company's competitiveness and appeal in the market . Furthermore, these initiatives can lead to operational efficiencies and foster a positive workplace culture, contributing to long-term sustainability and profitability .

Cross-disciplinary research is crucial for achieving SDGs because the goals are interconnected; progress in one area can inadvertently hinder progress in another. For instance, increasing food production to combat hunger could negatively affect efforts in climate change mitigation and land conservation . By integrating knowledge across disciplines, researchers can better understand these complexities and devise strategies that mitigate negative cross-impacts, making it possible to pursue the global goals simultaneously without one undermining the others. This integrated research approach is vital to effectively implementing SDGs .

Financing for SDG targets involves both public and private investments. International institutions like the World Bank provide loans specifically aimed at projects aligned with SDGs . Funding mechanisms such as the Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance help mobilize resources and encourage sustainable investments. An estimated $5-7 trillion is required annually, which emphasizes the critical role of aligning existing global financial assets with SDG priorities. Achieving these goals could unlock $12 trillion in market opportunities and significantly benefit economic growth, including creating 380 million jobs, thus positively impacting global economic dynamics .

Engaging in cross-disciplinary research allows universities and research institutions to tackle complex global issues addressed by the SDGs more holistically. These goals are interrelated; thus, achieving them requires insights from multiple disciplines to understand and mitigate any conflicting impacts. Cross-disciplinary research provides innovative solutions, adaptive techniques, and critical insights into the interactions between social, environmental, and economic systems. Furthermore, it fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers worldwide, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of efforts to meet SDG targets by 2030 .

Individuals can contribute to SDGs by raising awareness and promoting mental health as part of Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. Strategies include spreading awareness within communities about mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Organizing community plays or events to educate people on how societal pressures influence mental health can provoke change in attitudes. Additionally, being supportive and understanding within personal circles can create healthier environments that promote mental well-being .

Private companies play a significant role by incorporating CSR activities that align with SDGs, thereby mitigating their negative impact on society and the environment. Through CSR, businesses can contribute to economic, social, and environmental dimensions of SDGs. For example, Starbucks' CSR initiatives like ethically sourcing coffee and environmental leadership are integral to achieving goals related to sustainable consumption and environmental responsibility . Similarly, initiatives by companies like Coca-Cola to reduce carbon footprints by investing in alternatively fuelled trucks demonstrate how businesses can integrate SDG-related targets into their operational policies, thereby advancing climate action goals .

Although SDGs are not legally binding, countries are encouraged to incorporate them into national frameworks and policies. Governments are expected to establish plans for achieving these goals and perform regular follow-ups and reviews at the national, regional, and global levels. These reviews act as a form of accountability and measure progress, which can influence policy decisions and adjustments. The lack of legal enforcement means countries must voluntarily align their development agendas with SDGs, relying on national motivation and international peer pressure to ensure commitment .

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