Enhancing partnership for Sustainable Development Goals

THE United Nations AGENDA 2030 sets out 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. Each goal has ambitious targets and, if achieved, would help to attain a sustainable and inclusive development for the future of the world. Malaysia also stated its commitment to the SDGs when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad addressed the SDG Summit at the United Nations in New York on Sept 26 (Bernamapic).

It is commendable that the Economic Affairs Ministry and the UN Malaysia office are hosting the Malaysia SDG Summit today with the Prime Minister expected to deliver the keynote address. A large group of civil society organisations (CSOs) will also be attending the summit.

In fact, the Malaysia CSO SDG Alliance is contributing in a big way to the summit. Partnering with CSOs will be a vital aspect of achieving the SDGs. Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof is also to be commended for getting Parliament to approve the establishment of the All Party Parliamentary Group on SDGs. This initiative will lead to MPs working with CSOs on SDG projects in their respective constituencies.

Working together in partnership to achieve the SDGs will also bridge the racial and religious divide by having all races and religions work together to develop a more inclusive and sustainable future where no one is left behind. Malaysians should all come together to achieve the SDGs. By focusing on the SDGs, we can end racial polemics and strengthen unity and the key institutions which the goals aim for.

However, one area which is lacking is business commitment to and support for the SDGs. True, many companies are carrying out various CSR programmes but these are insufficient to make a difference.

Last week, I attended the United Nations Economic and Social Commission For Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Sustainable Business Executive Council Meeting at the UN in Bangkok (I am one of 15 persons appointed to this executive council by UN ESCAP). At that meeting, we were informed that no one country in the Asia Pacific can achieve the SDGs by 2030, and that achieving them requires a massive new investment of US$1.5 trillion. Hence, the private sector needs to play a bigger role and help to provide the needed financing to achieve the SDGs. The UN secretary-general has established a network for responsible banking and more Malaysian banks should be part of this.

I hope more Malaysian CEOs and companies will come forward to champion the SDGs and commit to sustainable and inclusive development. Let’s work together for the 5Ps – planet, people, prosperity, partnerships and peace.