The Importance of Cooperation in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) with the aim of creating a sustainable future for all. These goals include eradicating poverty, ensuring clean water and sanitation, promoting sustainable cities and communities, and more. The realization of these goals requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society, including governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Cooperation is critical in achieving SDGs because it allows for the pooling of resources and expertise, promotes innovation and effectiveness, and encourages ownership and inclusivity.
Pooling Resources and Expertise
SDGs require significant resources and expertise to be achieved. Governments often face financial and technical constraints in implementing the necessary reforms and infrastructure development. In such circumstances, cooperation becomes necessary, both within and between countries. One example of cooperation is the South-South Cooperation, which involves developing countries helping each other through sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise. For instance, Kenya has partnered with Brazil and India to develop a malaria vaccine that tackles the disease’s multiple strains. The vaccine’s development would not have been possible without the combined resources and expertise of the three countries.
Similarly, the private sector is an essential partner in this collective effort, as they possess the necessary financial resources, innovation, and technology. Through public-private partnerships, SDG goals can be achieved faster and more efficiently. For example, Unilever partnered with the UK government to promote sanitation and hygiene in Bangladesh. The partnership aimed to provide a basic handwashing facility in every home in the country, with Unilever providing technical expertise and raising awareness.
Promoting Innovation and Effectiveness
Cooperation encourages innovation, as different sectors and individuals bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and ideas to the table. Interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships can lead to solutions that would be difficult to achieve otherwise. For example, NASA, in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), developed the SERVIR program, which uses data and satellite imagery to help countries prepare and respond to natural disasters. The program has enabled countries like Nepal to develop platforms that monitor floods and their impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and human life.
In addition, cooperation promotes effectiveness in achieving SDGs. Pooling resources and expertise reduces duplication of efforts and promotes efficient use of resources. For instance, the Access to Health Fund in Tanzania provides funding for several health interventions, including HIV/AIDS treatment and malaria prevention. By collaborating with various partners, including the Global Fund, the PEPFAR initiative, and the Tanzanian government, the fund has been able to maximize the use of resources and reach more beneficiaries effectively.
Encouraging Ownership and Inclusivity
SDGs require the participation and ownership of all stakeholders to succeed. Cooperation promotes ownership and inclusivity by involving all sectors of society in the decision-making process. For example, the «WE» global campaign seeks to empower young people to be involved in achieving the SDGs. The campaign encourages young people to create solutions that tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as water scarcity and deforestation.
In addition, decentralization enables local communities and governments to take ownership of their development processes. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) decentralization approach encourages local self-governance by involving communities in decisions that affect their lives directly. The approach has been successful in countries like Somalia, where the UNDP supported district administrations in delivering essential services to communities.
Tips and Advice for Achieving SDGs Through Cooperation
-Cooperation starts with communication. Ensure that there is clear communication between all stakeholders, and that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
-Create partnerships that are built on trust and respect. Trust is essential in ensuring that everyone works towards the same goal.
-Involve local communities in decision-making processes. Communities should have a say in the development processes that affect their lives.
-Encourage private sector participation. The private sector has the necessary resources, technology, and innovation to achieve SDGs efficiently.
-Build capacity through training and skills development. Encourage skills development in areas where there is a shortage of expertise.
Closing Thoughts
Achieving the SDGs requires a collaborative effort from everyone involved in the development process. Cooperation allows for the pooling of resources and expertise, promotes innovation and effectiveness, and encourages ownership and inclusivity. To achieve the SDGs, all stakeholders should communicate effectively, create partnerships built on trust and respect, and involve local communities in decision-making processes. Encouraging private sector participation, building capacity through training and skills development, and promoting South-South Cooperation are essential steps towards achieving the SDGs. By working towards these principles, we can create a sustainable future for all.