Ensuring SDGs have hiccup free journey

At the recent meeting of the Bangladesh Development Forum (BDF) in Dhaka, much stress was given on support and cooperation of the development partners in realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting is an annual ritual but this time it had a different bearing as the perspective of national social and economic development needed to be blended with the globally agreed goals.
The meeting was important for various reasons. First, it met the need for a periodic review of the implementation of the projects and programmes funded by the donors; secondly, it provided an opportunity to the donors to understand the current status of socio-economic conditions in the country; and thirdly, to enable the donors to assess their future outlook for it. However, the two-day conference assumed greater significance as its underlying theme centered round the UN SDGs.
The UN SDGs have a broad agenda which is well recognised as inclusive and that must be participatory intergovernmental process. The agenda also sets out the need for drawing the roadmap of development goals at the local, regional and global levels. The fifteen-year journey, following the successful completion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), must review the commitments of the governments and design the implementation manifesto as well as the accountability mechanisms. To this end, the just-concluded conference was a prudent approach.
However, will it be correct to assume that the SDGs journey is on track? The answer could be yes or no. There is in fact a wide gap in many areas. It is not sure if the urgency of the SDGs' agenda is felt in true spirit by all concerned which range from the government to local administration to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to civil society to even the beneficiaries. The concept of "leaving no one behind" still needs to be stimulated.
With two years having already passed, it is also necessary to know the clear implementation mechanisms. The implementation authorities and the development agencies must know by now the definite plans. The participatory organisations, particularly at the local level, need to have clear communications on the intended goals as well as the benefits. Otherwise, the entire effort could be an experimental endeavour.
Though the MDGs were accomplished successfully, the entire process was done in silo concept. The SDGs, on the other hand, are so widespread but duly inter-connected that there has to be an integrated approach by all stakeholders that include public sector and private enterprises. It also needs the support and coordination of the civil society, NGOs and communities at the local level. If the concept of "leaving no one behind" is to be honoured, all efforts on the track of SDGs must include all parties concerned.
The biggest challenge for meeting the SDGs lies in arranging the required fund and this was clearly reiterated at the meeting itself. It must be borne in mind that the SDGs are very ambitious but quite realistic in terms of ensuring a sustainable future on all fronts. Perhaps, the bigger challenge will be in ensuring proper accountability while drawing the strategies, implementing the action plans, incorporating the local leadership and administration. The journey towards the SDGs thus would be free of hiccups!

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