Handling interactions among SDGs: a critical role for research

Abstract:

At Rio+20, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were conceived mainly as a mechanism to integrate and coordinate among the many multilateral agreements that already exist at the global level, as well as to identify any gaps among them. In Sep 2015 nations signed off on 17 goals with 169 targets, which had been developed through the most open process of consultation the United Nations has ever run. Agreement on a reasonably concise set of goals for achieving global sustainability and human development is an existential step forward, and to be applauded. However, the process led to much fragmented lobbying which is reflected in a loss of focus on the original objective of integration. There are many areas of the goals where interactions lead to trade-offs that need managing, and synergies which should be captured capturing. A few trade-offs, such as that between more energy use and less greenhouse gas emissions, are explicit in a target to double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 (target 7.3). But there are many other interactions which are characterised poorly or not at all. In some cases integrative indicators are known; in others we do not necessarily know what to focus on to manage the interaction. Furthermore, the package of SDGs will be implemented at both global and national levels. Integrated thinking will be needed in this process of implementation, for example to assist developing countries to leapfrog western development pathways, and to promote a systems view on how environmental, social and economic outcomes are deeply integrated in the effecting of country development plans. Existing research can inform many of these interactions, whilst in other areas there in fact profound and fascinating new research needed to help decision makers. I will discuss this framing and highlight research, both existing and needed, that could speed up the world’s ability to deliver on its SDG commitment.