SDGs Explained: #17 Partnerships for the Goals

Summary

In this discussion, Griffith University experts delve into Sustainable Development Goal 17, emphasizing the importance of partnerships across sectors to tackle global challenges. Professor Anne Bonner and Associate Professor Stephanie Schleimer highlight the necessity of mutual respect in partnerships and the pivotal role of business and academia. They underscore the interconnectedness of SDGs, stressing the need for multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approaches to achieve sustainable outcomes, particularly in health and environmental projects.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a call to action for ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity and peace for all.
• 🤝 SDG 17, the last goal, emphasizes partnerships across sectors and disciplines to tackle global challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
• 🔄 SDG 17 is about fostering mutually respectful partnerships that involve learning from each other, rather than one party dominating the relationship.
• 🏛️ The role of business in achieving the SDGs is significant, as it can contribute to solutions in areas like taxes and trade, often overlooked in sustainability discussions.
• 💡 The structure of the SDGs is such that the first 16 goals define the problems and solutions, while SDG 17 provides the framework for implementation through partnerships.
• 🏥 In the health sector, partnerships are crucial for achieving related SDGs, such as those involving water and food security, which directly impact health and well-being.
• 🌍 The success of global partnerships, like those involving the International Council of Nurses, depends on mutual respect and avoiding a colonial or paternalistic approach.
• 📚 Universities play a convening role in partnerships due to their neutrality, transparency, and high ethical standards, making them effective at guiding and recommending.
• 🔬 Interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approaches are essential for addressing the complex, layered problems that span beyond generations, as seen in projects like the Eco-Adapt initiative.
• 🌱 Capacity building and mutual learning are key aspects of successful partnerships, where both parties grow and benefit from the collaboration.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17?

SDG 17 focuses on partnerships, aiming to bring together skills and resources from various sectors and disciplines at local, national, and international levels to address complex global challenges.

Why is SDG 17 considered especially important according to the experts in the discussion?

SDG 17 is considered critical because it outlines how to implement solutions for the global challenges identified in the previous goals, emphasizing collaboration across sectors to achieve meaningful outcomes.

How does SDG 17 differ from the other Sustainable Development Goals?

While the first 15 goals focus on identifying global challenges and solutions, SDG 17 focuses on the partnerships and collaborative processes necessary to implement these solutions effectively.

What role do businesses play in achieving the SDGs according to Associate Professor Stephanie Schleimer?

Businesses play a key role in achieving the SDGs by overcoming competitive mindsets and working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and other sectors. While business may have reputational motivations, they are vital in addressing global challenges.

How does the health sector benefit from partnerships in achieving SDGs?

The health sector relies heavily on partnerships to address issues related to water security, food security, and well-being, with successful collaborations occurring both locally and globally, such as with the International Council of Nurses partnering with the UN and WHO.

What challenges are involved in creating respectful partnerships between developed and developing countries?

One challenge is ensuring that partnerships are mutually respectful and not dominated by one country imposing its way of doing things. This requires understanding the context of each partner and building relationships based on equality and trust.

How does cultural safety training contribute to respectful partnerships with First Peoples in Australia?

Cultural safety training helps ensure respectful partnerships by educating individuals on engaging with elders and local communities in a collaborative, non-colonial manner. This builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.

What is the role of universities in partnerships related to SDG 17?

Universities act as neutral and transparent partners, often convening different stakeholders from various sectors, such as businesses, governments, and NGOs. They contribute by generating knowledge and guiding partnerships ethically and effectively.

What is an example of a successful multi-stakeholder partnership related to SDG 17?

One example is Griffith University's 'WASH at Work' program in Indonesia and Fiji, which involves local governments, hotel chains, tourism associations, and NGOs working together to improve water hygiene and sanitation in tourist destinations.

How does interdisciplinary collaboration within universities strengthen external partnerships?

Interdisciplinary collaboration allows universities to address complex, multi-layered problems more effectively by bringing together diverse expertise from various fields, creating stronger and more comprehensive partnerships.