Social Watch E-Newsletter - Issue 329 - July 9, 2018

Issue 329 - July 9, 2018
 
   
 

Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2018. Exploring new policy pathways

   
 

“The world is off-track in terms of achieving sustainable development and fundamental policy changes are necessary to unleash the transformative potential of the SDGs.” This is the main message of the Spotlight Report 2018, the most comprehensive independent assessment of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The report is launched on the opening day of the High Level Political Forum at the United Nations in New York by a global coalition of civil society organizations and trade unions.
When UN Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda, they signaled with the title 'Transforming our World' that it should trigger fundamental changes in politics and society, argues the report.
Yet, “three years after its adoption, most governments have failed to turn the vision of the 2030 Agenda into real policies. Even worse, policies in a growing number of countries are moving in the opposite direction, seriously undermining the spirit and the goals of the 2030 Agenda.” Read more

 

   
   
 

Conversation with authors of Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2018

   
 
Exploring new policy pathways: How to overcome obstacles and contradictions in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
The world is off-track in terms of achieving sustainable development. Fundamental policy changes are necessary to unleash the transformative potential of the SDGs. In particular, there is a need for more coherent fiscal and regulatory policies and a whole-of-government approach towards sustainability.
The Spotlight Report 2018 describes policies, resources and actions that are necessary to implement the 2030 Agenda. It highlights strategies and approaches which depart from business-as-usual and prioritize fulfilment of human rights and respect for planetary boundaries.
At the roundtable event authors of the Spotlight Report 2018 will present key findings and recommendations to participants for discussion.
Church Center, 10TH Floor, 777 UN Plaza, New York
12 July 2018, 6:15-7:45PM
Jointly organized by Arab NGO Network for Development, Center for Economic and Social Rights, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era, Public Services International, Global Policy Forum, Society for International Development, Social Watch, Third World Network with support from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Read more

 

   
   
 

UN SDG progress reports: how statistics play favorites

   
 
The Progress Reports on the SDGs that should inform the ministers attending the High Level Political Forum of ECOSOC claims to “provide a global overview of the current situation” but instead systematically ignores or downplays evidence of developed countries’ contribution to the present un-sustainability of the planet or unfair appropriation of its resources. Read more

 

   
   
 

SDG-implementation at national level: What's the point of national reports?

   
 
VNRs and shadow (or spotlight) reporting:
How it is key for meaningful participation and accountability

The national voluntary reporting to the High Level Political Forum of ECOSOC is a practice that has gained traction, as dozens of governments are volunteering each year to participate and contribute their VNRs. A number of CSOs have prepared their own shadow or spotlight reports to follow-up on their governments efforts to implement the 2030-Agenda. Is there a meaningful dialogue between the official and the alternative reports? What is the value of the whole exercise? These issues will be debated on July 13, 2018 | 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM at WeWork Grand Central,
4th Floor, Room 4A, 450 Lexington Ave, New York 10017 Read more

 

   
   
 

Partnership or Business Case? Private Sector and the SDGs

   
 
The private sector plays a significant role in achieving the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Several corporations have already pledged their support for the SDGs or evaluated the relevance of SDGs in their business activities. The UN Global Compact has started a global campaign to celebrate business leaders who are taking action to advance the 2030 Agenda.
In many countries, engaging the private sector in SDG implementation is part of official policy. Governments and the UN are seeking increased commitment from the private sector in order to finance SDG implementation and bring growth to their economies. Many governments expect the involvement of companies in SDG implementation to lead to greater social and environmental awareness in business strategies. Read more

 

   
 
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