The 17th UN sustainable development goal is “partnerships for the goals”. The goal here is “to revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”.
Why does this matter? When world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they created a need for everyone to come together— governments, civil society, scientists, academia and the private sector. The agenda aims to end poverty, tackle inequalities and combat climate change but it can only succeed if people work in partnership.
This partnership can be helped by technology and in particular the internet. But, just as many people don’t have access to clean water, social justice or good jobs, so a digital divide persists. A growing share of the global population has access to the Internet, and a Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries has been established. And yet the internet’s global penetration is still under 60%, leaving billions of people unable to access its benefits.
As well as mobilising existing resources, we must therefore create new assets – in technology development, financial resources and capacity building. And to do this, multi-stakeholder partnerships will be crucial as these will be able to leverage the links between the different SDGs to enhance their effectiveness and accelerate progress.
At the same time we need to ensure that resources are effectively used. At a country by country level, regular progress reviews will be needed, involving civil society, business and different interest groups. At a regional and global level countries must share their experience so that common issues can more easily be tackled.
Any business can play a part in these partnerships. Why not create a group in your local community that seeks to mobilize action on the implementation of the SDGs. You can also lobby government to partner with businesses for the implementation of the SDGs. Or why not create and publish your own content such as videos or blog posts that showcase how your organisation is helping to address these global sustainability concerns.
And tell people what you are doing. Register your initiatives on the SDGs Partnerships Platform to inform, educate, network, and be inspired! And let us know as well: we will be delighted to publish your stories about how you are working in partnership to increase the sustainability of today’s world.
To submit a story to the 17globalgoals.com website please email it to j.swinfen-green@business-reporter.co.uk
