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In September, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the combined effort of a 70 country working group charged with creating a set of targets that replace the millennium development goals. The group incorporated views from a diverse set of contributors including UN agencies, consultations in 130 countries, civil society, the private sector and 7 million participants in the UN’s My World survey.
In the agreement, there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals which focus on 169 targets to eliminate poverty, hunger and inequality, act on climate change, improve access to health and education, and build robust institutions and partnerships. That this is a combined effort of the global community is encouraging for implementation and effectiveness.
Goal 16 entrusts the global community to work together to advance peaceful, inclusive societies for sustainable development, give access to justice for all, and foster effective, answerable and inclusive institutions at every level. Despite private sector and local civil society often disagreeing on responsive governance, social inclusion and peace building, their meaningful joint investment is what is necessary to achieve Goal 16.
Rather than looking at companies as potential funders, other participants should embrace businesses as authentic partners who will invest wisely and reduce redundancy. Companies should consider themselves as consumers of good governance working in partnership to achieve long-term policy solutions for all the sustainable development goals. With this in mind, here are some recommendations for building successful partnerships on Goal 16.
Leaders approach development with a systemic view of change and insist that those most exposed to government change have a seat at the table
Build authentic partnerships with local organizations to actively develop capacity and bring local ownership into decision-making.
Business skills are a critical ingredient of a prosperous civil society sector that is essential to first-rate governance and vigorous advocacy.
Make impactful investments that reach beyond philanthropy. Do no harm conducting operations and social investment with unambiguous and ongoing conflict analysis.
Transparency is fundamental to building trust between organizations working together on development goals. Organizations should share information with partners on strategies and programs that were successful and those that were not.
Promoting common understanding requires access to credible information including internet access and Freedom of Information laws. Engage locally in the discussion on the appropriateness of international norms in dialogues.
Businesses and civil society are open about their dealings with government and pay their fair share of taxes according to law.
Business innovation and resources can play a significant part in sustainable development. Omega International’s goal is to give people the necessary skills to become successful entrepreneurs. Please contact us to see how you can help.
