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Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) often sits quietly in the shadow of its more glamorous counterparts. While goals like "No Poverty" and "Zero Hunger" grab headlines, “Partnerships for the Goals” is too vague or intangibly defined to be directly visualized. This goal serves as the very lifeline of the entire 2030 Agenda, the invisible thread that connects and strengthens all other goals – nothing works without it. If there are no partnerships, individual actors going it alone have nearly zero chance of affecting positive change.
Look at any of the other 16 SDGs - Climate change, poverty, global health crises, and economic inequality – these are not isolated issues; they are deeply interconnected and demand solutions made to address multiple problems. Needless to say, all of the SDGs transcend national borders and need mobilized resources, shared knowledge, and a willingness to give up some autonomy in the name of a greater humanity level good. Unless you’ve been living under a rock or (like your author) doing everything possible to avoid current news in the name of mental health, you know the current geopolitical climate, marked by rising nationalism, protectionism, and conflict, puts all the Goals in peril thanks to diminished partnerships.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, for example, has not only disrupted supply chains and fueled economic instability but has also fractured international relations and eroded trust between nations. This erosion of trust creates a terrifying effect on cooperation in critical SDG areas like humanitarian aid and global health security. While the big powers squabble as if the cold war were still in full swing, it is the most vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of these fractured relationships.
The interconnected nature of the SDGs underscores the critical importance of SDG 17. Consider the link between climate action (SDG 13) and poverty eradication (SDG 1). Failure to cooperate on climate change mitigation and adaptation will lead to environmental degradation that disproportionately impacts the poorest and most marginalized communities, pushing them further into poverty and exacerbating existing inequalities. Achieving gender equality (SDG 5) is essential for achieving quality education (SDG 4) and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Without empowering women and girls, we cannot unlock their full potential and build truly inclusive and prosperous societies.
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for hope. Non-state actors, including civil society organizations, businesses, and academic institutions, are increasingly stepping up to fill the gaps left by faltering intergovernmental cooperation. They are forging new partnerships to address specific challenges, leveraging their expertise and resources to drive progress toward the SDGs. We see this in the growing number of businesses incorporating sustainability into their core operations, and in the cross-border collaborations between universities that are accelerating scientific breakthroughs in critical areas like renewable energy and disease prevention. More than half of this year’s batch of US university applicants listed sustainability as a reason for selecting where to apply, a refreshing update from rank obsession.
The 2030 Agenda is ambitious, but it is not unattainable. The key to its success lies in recognizing the central role of SDG 17 and actively working to strengthen global partnerships. This requires a renewed commitment to multilateralism, open dialogue, and trust-building. It necessitates a shift towards more transparent partnerships that recognize the contributions of all stakeholders, including non-state actors and marginalized communities. To explore SDG 17 or any of the other Sustainable Development Goals, connect with us at ITS Education Asia. We can help you discover meaningful ways to contribute and make a difference.
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