Can the SDGs still be reached? Commitment amid resistance

An overwhelming majority of countries re‑confirmed their commitment to sustainable development despite opposition from a few states.

On 3 February, the United Nations Association of Germany (DGVN) and the Gustav-Stresemann-Institut hosted a panel event on ‘The United Nations and Sustainable Development – Can the Goals still be reached?’. Dr Axel Berger was invited to join the panel, together with Marie Dimond, UNDP Germany, Marie-Luise Abshagen, Forum Umwelt & Entwicklung, and Simon Zerzawy, DGVN Youth Observer to the UN Summit of the Future, and Stefan Wagner, Head of the Office for International Affairs and Global Sustainability, City of Bonn.

In his contribution, he highlighted the indeed geopolitical relevance of the SDGs as part of reliable and future-oriented cooperation architectures that now need to be strengthened and protected. He further emphasised that despite opposition from a few individual states, an overwelming majority of countries recently re-confirmed their commitment to sustainable development as part of the United Nations Pact for the Future. The panel discussed ways to implement the SDGs as best as possible until 2030 – whilst paving the way for a Beyond 2030 framework.