BY resolution, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 25th September 2015 adopted “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” This Agenda sets out to transform the economic well-being of the world on a plan of action around five Ps:-People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.The realisation of what some may think is a lofty ambition, given that it sets out to make significant transformational shifts for economic development in 15 years, is doable in the enabling environment that allows all participating countries, stakeholders and people to give of their best.
Whereas previous economic models were conceptualised, developed and embraced by multinational and transnational organisations, seeking to influence not only the political climate on the world stage, but also used as tools in exploiting the poor and vulnerable, Sustainable Development takes another focus. Whereas formerly the world’s economy and by extension human development were driven by global forces, where government took a hands-off or miniaturising role, leaving the private sector with unfettered power, which resulted in an economic meltdown about eight years ago, systems are now being put in place to avoid similar recurrence.
And whereas the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted the Global Recession was the worst since World War II, and the debates continue in quantifying the economic loss, whether the recess has ended, when it has ended, and its impact, learning from the past can result in corrective measure(s) being put in place to guarantee the present and safeguard the future.
Experiences of harrowing stories can be recounted of the havoc the recession wreaked. There was the wiping out of wealth, which included health insurance, retirement benefits and savings. And while countries moved to bail out some institutions on the pretext that those institutions were too big to fail and the negative impact such failure might have on their economies, the small man was basically left to fend for himself. At home, the failure of CLICO, which was the consequence of a government colluding and allowing the private sector to operate as though an authority onto itself has seen workers’ investments via insurance policies wiped out and the National Insurance Scheme’s (NIS) investments placed in jeopardy.
In that the UN has seen the need and sought to give leadership in shaping a new economic model to advance and protect the well-being of all, augurs well for the planet and human development. The role of the UN in maintaining global peace, congenial human relations and preserving the environment, working to end discrimination, poverty and hunger resulting in its immersion in ensuring a sound economic model that member states are bound by, makes the future better.
As according to the UN, Sustainable Development brings with it issues of human protection, equality, dignity and progress. It sets out to ensure and guarantee peace by having just and inclusive societies, which are free from fear and violence. Partnership is promoted as critical to maintaining peace, in that it allows for the strengthening of solidarity, domestic and foreign, in furtherance of common goals. And given that prosperity for all is hinged on equality for all, this is seen as attainable when persons can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. Member states are convinced that these can all be achieved in a planet that is protected from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations.
These aspirations that were discussed and agreed to by Heads of State and Government and high-level representatives, come with given commitments to achieve same through 17 goals and 169 targets.
These goals identify element/s in man’s pursuit of happiness. In examining, these persons will have singular or collective interests based on circumstances and pursuits. And where these exist, such ought to find expression and support as grounded in the Principal Political Objective of the State (Article 13- Guyana Constitution), wherein power is vested in the people through inclusionary democracy that ensures meaningful participation in the management and decision-making processes on matters that affect their well-being. And here is where government must take a leading and frontal role in creating, ensuring and sustaining the enabling environment.
This can include the strengthening of institutions such as the judiciary, research and development, policing laws to ensure equality, dignity and opportunities for all, and improving the democratic pillars of society. Helping the justice system to recalibrate its role in making decisions that give society the comfort that justice is universal and will be served, regardless of whether it would be a step in the right direction. The Executive also bears a responsibility in giving leadership to and demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption, graft and nepotism. Laws, conventions and charters must reign supreme and citizens’ rights held sacrosanct. This creates the environment for equality and dignity in that all will be held to the same standards and play by the same rules.
Having recently come out of General and Regional Elections, whereby the people have expressed their will, vesting the day-to-day management of their affairs in various groups in these two tiers of government and in the legislature, the pursuit of Sustainable Development would ensure policies and programmes consistent with its goals. Upcoming local government elections provide additional possibilities for candidates and communities to also empower the people at the grassroots level, where poverty, hunger and discrimination are prevalent. As a member of the UN, ours is the responsibility and vested interest to be aware of the goals Sustainable Development is driven by, which would lead to making informed decisions and ensuring the enabling environment is created. Given that the UN promotes: “The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realised. If we realise our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better,” together we must achieve.