The 2023 SDG Summit, held on September 18-19 in New York, kickstarted a fresh push towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing together global leaders for discussions on transformative actions leading up to 2030. Convened by the President of the General Assembly, the Summit aimed to address the world's crises and inject a renewed sense of hope for the 2030 Agenda.
Participating actively in this critical assembly was Jack Williams, a representative of the Organization for Science, Education, and Global Society (OSEGS). The perspectives provided by Jack Williams allow us to examine the issues and solutions discussed at the Summit in more detail.
In your opinion, why might Agenda 2030 not be achieved within the specified timeframe?
JW: The potential obstacle to achieving Agenda 2030 within the established timeframe is rooted in the challenges embedded in SDG 16 (peace and institutions) and SDG 17 (global collaboration). The current milieu lacks the necessary conditions for authentic collaboration, obstructing the collective endeavors of civil society, scientists, and business leaders. This deficiency not only impedes progress for these specific SDGs but sends ripples across the broader Sustainable Development Goals, as underscored in recent news reports. A substantive reevaluation of global collaborative mechanisms is imperative to foster an environment conducive to effective and impactful engagement.
Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) do you believe remain unfulfilled, and what factors contribute to this?
JW: While it's challenging to pinpoint specific unfulfilled SDGs, there's a prevailing sentiment that progress across the spectrum necessitates accelerated efforts. Contributing factors include the intricate challenges within SDG 16 (peace and institutions) and the genuine collaboration required by SDG 17. The interconnected nature of these goals magnifies existing deficiencies, creating a ripple effect across the broader SDG framework. Addressing these challenges demands a focused approach and strategic interventions to surmount obstacles hindering the realization of the 2030 Agenda.
Was there any discussion at the Summit regarding the feasibility of accomplishing all the Sustainable Development Goals, and what is the new plan moving forward?
JW: The Summit delved deeply into the imperative of forward-thinking to ensure SDG success. With only 15% on track for 2030, there's a shared understanding that we need a more ambitious approach. The Forward Faster initiative emerged, focusing on five critical areas of action where the private sector can collectively wield significant influence. This initiative amplifies accountability and transparency, urging companies to publicly declare their commitments and outline actions to meet SDG targets. Through annual reporting to the UN Global Compact, the Forward Faster initiative aims to drive accelerated progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
How do current wars and military engagements impact overall progress towards these goals?
JW: Current conflicts and military engagements have a profound impact, particularly on SDG 16 dedicated to peace and stable institutions. Sustainable development relies on a foundation of peace, and conflicts disrupt this foundation, not only hindering SDG 16 but casting shadows across the entire spectrum of global goals. Collateral damage extends beyond immediate implications, severely impacting poverty alleviation, quality education, and healthcare in conflict-ridden areas. Addressing and mitigating conflicts is pivotal, not just for achieving one goal but unlocking progress across the entirety of the Sustainable Development Agenda.
What is your personal forecast on this matter?
JW: Looking ahead, the path ahead is crystal clear – either the global civil society propels international institutions into action through reform or reconstruction, or we plunge into a staggering failure as a species. The stakes go beyond anything superficial; they touch the very essence of our shared humanity. A firm commitment to change is the need of the hour; otherwise, we stand on the precipice of unimaginable consequences. It boils down to this: International institutions must respond to the demands of the world's civil society, be set into motion, reformed, or established entirely. Failing to achieve this would be nothing short of a dramatic failure for humanity.