Organisations demand action from PM on SDGs

30th January 2020

Organisations have demanded commitment from the UK Prime Minister to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
A group of organisations spearheaded by UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD), delivered a resolute brief to PM Boris Johnson this week. It outlines 3 key actions the Government must undertake to uphold its promises for achieving the SDGs in the UK.
Assembled from the views and expertise of UKSSD members, the brief asks the PM to: 

1. Show leadership by signalling support for organisations to work together in the UK, across sectors and industries, to transform broken or failing systems 
2. Publicly communicate the importance of the SDGs and develop a more effective approach to their implementation 
3. Help the UK understand its performance on the SDGs by openly disclosing progress towards the targets 

Developed by the UN, the 17 Goals provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. They are an urgent call for action by all countries in a global partnership. 
 
However, in 2018, research by UKSSD found that the UK is failing to perform on 76% of the targets under the 17 Goals. The deadline for achieving them has been set for the end of the decade, making 2020 a crucial time – it marks the 10-year countdown for us to deliver the Goals and build the future we want.
UKSSD Network Director Emily Auckland said: “This brief makes the case for why Prime Minister Boris Johnson needs to show leadership on this agenda after a lacklustre approach from the UK Government so far.
 
“It reflects the work of UKSSD over the last five years and the views of stakeholders across the country, representing different sectors and industries. We hope it shows we’re serious about working with his Government on the SDGs and look forward to receiving a formal response”. 
In UKSSD’s review of the UK’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, it was concluded that people in our country are being left behind, and at the same time, we are consuming far beyond our share of the planet’s natural resources. 
 
The definitive brief gives clear expectations and instruction on how we can fast-forward the UK’s progress on the Goals. With collaboration at its core detailed recommendations include helping to build and encourage partnerships, a coordinated communications campaign, and an independent monitoring and review process. 
 
Link to full text available from 29/01/2020: https://www.ukssd.co.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=699757e6-ac80-485a-b41c-7f00887fc360