The 17 UN SDGs are highly interconnected and interdependent- Akram Munir, ECOSOC Chair
Global challenges as hinted upon by the 17 UN SDGs are quite diverse, presenting a cocktail of complex interactions in all spheres all round the globe. A wide array of stakeholders; international, national and local are seemingly working in active pursuit so as to attain feasible impacts in line with at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Acknowledgement must also be given to the global systems that entail synchrony in achieving the sustainable development goals holistically and interdependently.
The fate of Global biodiversity is highly at stake, owing to the overwhelming human pressure. Unfortunately, the biodiversity conservation targets as laid forward for UN decade on biodiversity conservation, 2011-2020 are projected not to meet their targets by the end of the stipulated time period. Most eminently, biodiversity loss is taking a significantly negative trend, contrary to the action plan. This has been attributed to a number of underlying influences, which are not limited to political unwillingness to stand for nature, limited or no focus on adoption of sustainable approaches to economic development which take into account integrity of the natural ecosystems as well.
Ambassador Akram Munir, Chair of the ECOSOC, during the UN Biodiversity Summit 2020 insists that unless political leaders and actors take a stand towards sustainable and eco-friendly economies, the global social and economic systems still remain vulnerable to disruption by adverse environmental impacts.
Correlation within the global systems and value chains can best be illustrated by the drawbacks brought about by the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, economically affecting trade, travel, regulations on both industrial and agricultural systems and social ties.
The irony can best be addressed by appreciating the value of nature. In response to the destruction and interference with biodiversity, the retaliation by nature can be seen through sequential flooding of waters, rises in water levels, abrupt changes in seasons and weather; visible in most parts of East Africa. Nature based solutions particularly are a powerful tool that have a direct influence on the sustenance potentials of our natural ecosystems.
Maintenance, preservation and conservation of ecological integrity is a first and most crucial step towards saving the planet from projected and forthcoming natural calamities and disasters of both economic and social nature. Adoption of eco-friendly economies will not only help save the planet but also enhance the socio-economic welfare of the people in it.
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