Holistic efforts to achieve SDGs
The speakers at the inaugural session of a two-daylong workshop titled Role of BMDA for the Implementation of SDGs at the grassroots level in Barind Areas in Rajshahi recently stated that integrated and collective efforts of all concerned officials is indispensable to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Barind Multipurpose Development Authorities (BMDA) and Australian Curtin University jointly organised the workshop. More than 100 academics and officials from BMDA and other government entities like BARI, BRRI, BINA, DAE, BADC and SRDI working in 125 Upazilas under Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions were present.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as Global Goals, are a universal call to action for poverty alleviation, protecting the planet and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 goals are built on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.
The effort towards achieving SDGs should be attempted in a pragmatic way and in the spirit of partnership in order to make the right choices to improve life in a sustainable way for future generations. SDGs provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large.
The SDGs are almost by definition an inclusive agenda. They tackle the root causes of poverty and unite us together to make positive changes for both people and planet. The strategic plan should focus on key areas including poverty alleviation, democratic governance and peacemaking, climate change and disaster risk, and economic inequality.
Achieving the SDGs requires the partnership of governments, private sector, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations. Emphasis should be given on various issues related to formulating policy and planning for exploration and the best uses of the existing potentialities in the country for successfully achieving the SDGs. There is no alternative to exploring the existing potentials for improving living and livelihood of people.
Sustained and co-ordinated government efforts are the demand of the time. Collective effort of all government and non-government organisations concerned is very vital for attaining all SDGs and for overall development of the nation.
