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Empowering student leaders for SDG action, localising the SDGs

ByopinionJuly 23, 20243 Mins read321

By localising the SDGs we will ensure a more holistic implementation and realistic achievements (Prado - Unsplash)

By Professor Dato Dr Ahmad Ibrahim

A former Minister of Higher Education, Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamad, once said that “Universities are not just a place for learning, they are also incubators of change”. No doubt about that. Universities can be the agent for change using the knowledge they have mastered. In a world threatened by many forces of unsustainability, we need change to survive. As the world approaches the 2030 targets of the UN-SDGs, the UN Sec Gen recently pronounced that there is still much work to do. This has prompted many to revisit their sustainability strategies. Here at home, the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for SDG, APPMGM-SDG, has been revving up programs to get the country’s youths to act. The SDG Academy was created for that.

I recently had the chance to observe a one day event by the Academy. It was held at the University of Malaya. This time, the audience comprised of students from 6 public universities and 16 private universities. As a panellist, I shared my views on how youths can be motivated to increase their involvement in the SDGs. It was a good opportunity for me to share UCSI’s Harmony-Mesra program which reflects the 17 SDGs. Many in the audience are aware of UCSI’s many sustainability initiatives. Even the recently MQA approved ESG Masters program under the International Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability, IISDS, is known by some.

Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is about adapting the global goals to local context, ensuring they are relevant and achievable at community levels. Several key steps are needed to effectively integrate and implement the SDGs locally. Assessing local needs and priorities is a start. We have to conduct assessments to understand the specific challenges and needs of the community. To do this, we need to engage stakeholders including local governments, civil society, and community members to get a comprehensive understanding of local priorities.

Next we need to align the SDGs into existing local development plans. We must adapt the global targets and indicators to reflect local realities and capacities. Capacity building is a crucial step, where we provide SDG training to local officials and stakeholders. It is critical to enhance the capacities of local institutions to plan, implement, and monitor SDG-related activities. Resource mobilization is next. We need to identify and secure funding sources, including local government budgets, international aid, and private sector investments. Whatever it is, we must partner NGOs, businesses, and international organizations to leverage resources and expertise.

Implementation should start with pilot projects to demonstrate success and scalability. Community participation is important to foster sustained ownership. Monitoring and evaluation is key to continuous improvement. This is where we establish robust systems for data collection and analysis to track progress. Also create feedback loops to incorporate lessons learned and adjust strategies accordingly. Various communication channels must be used to raise SDG awareness. Not to mention to regularly report on progress to maintain transparency and accountability.

There are examples of success in localizing SDGs. A municipality in India could launch a microfinance scheme for women in rural areas to start small businesses to support the no poverty goal. A city in Brazil could enhance its primary healthcare system to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. A local government in Kenya could upgrade slum areas with better infrastructure and services, addressing goal 11 on sustainable cities.

There are challenges. One concerns the lack of data at the local level. Limited financial resources is a challenge. This is where we need to explore innovative financing mechanisms like public-private partnerships. A major challenge is the resistance to change. Engaging communities through participatory approaches and demonstrating the benefits of SDG implementation is key.

Localizing the SDGs is crucial for achieving sustainable development worldwide. By tailoring the global goals to fit local contexts, communities can address their unique challenges and make meaningful progress towards sustainability. Effective localization requires a collaborative effort, involving all stakeholders and integrating the SDGs into every aspect of local planning and development. The SDG Academy is the right move to empower the youths to take action.