CMMB invited Thomas Gass, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs to share his thoughts on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How would you describe the significance of the SDGs as a framework of universal development and sustainability?

This is the first time that the countries of the world have agreed on such a broad and integrated common framework of goals.The negotiations between the countries lasted for more than two years and included dialogues with hundreds of interest groups, civil societies and businesses. The result is a shared vision of humanity – a vision that brings together economic, social and environmental perspectives. The vision goes quite far into detail, since the 17 SDGs have a total of 169 targets. The achievement of this vision will be measurable, since specific indicators are being developed for each target, and every country – developed and developing – will be measured against these indicators.

One of the most significant shifts in paradigm brought about by the SDGs is the commitment to “leave no one behind”.  While this may seem like idealistic rhetoric, in reality, it has strong, strategic implications.  This commitment compels us to start our strategic thinking and planning by identifying the most vulnerable, understanding the environmental, social, economic and political risks they face, and include in our strategies the building of resilience and the reduction of these risks.

Do you believe that the SDGs are more conducive for the engagement of the private sector than their predecessor – the MDGs?

Yes. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were basically an overarching strategy for development cooperation; a kind of compact between donor countries and recipient countries. Private sector and business would participate in this compact either as part of the implementation of projects or programs, or through increased investments. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs are universal. They apply to all countries. They are the basis for a new social contract between the world’s leaders and their people. They are a plan to transform our world, for which the participation of business and the private sector are essential.  The business community has been part of this process from the start, through the UN Global Compact and its networks, through the International Chamber of Commerce and its representative to the UN, and through many other organizations.

The comprehensive nature of the SDGs calls for multi-sector partnerships.  How crucial will such partnerships be in the days ahead?

Partnerships are crucial. We need every one on deck:  cities, large inter-governmental organizations, large and small companies, authorities at national, local and municipal levels. Ideas and know-how have to be combined with financial resources. The way business is done today has to take into account environmental and social externalizes, such as pollution or exploitation of workers in the value chain. It has to take a longer term perspective and play its role in shaping a better world for our children. In other words, it has to become more sustainable.