SDG Update – 23 January 2018

Jay OwenSustainability News

POLICY BRIEFS

An Annotated Guide to the UN Secretary-General’s Reform Proposals

Ana Maria Lebada, Thematic Expert for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Romania)

One year after the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a policy instrument to align the UN development system with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review – QCPR 2017-2020), UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres advanced detailed proposals for reforms to the UN development system, in line with the QCPR mandates. This process is part of the Secretary-General’s broader reform agenda, which also includes reform of the peace and security architecture and management reform.

SDG Knowledge Weekly: Davos, Inequality and Development Finance

Adam Fishman, Thematic Expert for 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (US)

This week’s brief reviews issues being discussed at the World Economic Forum (WEF), which is holding its annual meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland from 23-26 January 2018. The meeting’s theme, ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World,’ acknowledges political, economic, social and environmental challenges facing the global community.

FEATURED

NASA Confirms Methane Increase Linked to Oil and Gas Industry

19 January 2018: The oil and gas industry is primarily responsible for the increase in methane emissions, according to a study led by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which explains that methane emission sources have historically been underestimated. The increase equals around 25 teragrams (25 trillion grams) per year since 2006, a finding that underscores the need to transition to renewable energy sources in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Stakeholders, Audit Community Discuss Government Accountability for SDGs

18 January 2018: During a webinar on accountability for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation, stakeholders and representatives from the government audit community discussed the role of audits in making progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants also highlighted national experiences on auditing SDG preparedness, and SDG initiatives undertaken by the audit community.

NEWS

World Bank Loans Support Water Supply Services, Wastewater Treatment

22 January 2018: Through in-country projects, the World Bank is supporting efforts towards improved wastewater management and water supply. In one such project, the World Bank loaned US$120 million to the Government of India to improve water supply services in peri-urban areas of Uttarakhand state in northern India, helping ensure a minimum 16-hour water supply that will meet the government’s water quality standards.

Major Fashion Labels Set Targets Towards Circular Fashion System

18 January 2018: More than 60 global fashion companies have set targets in support of a more sustainable fashion industry including transitioning towards a more circular fashion system. The targets address actions to foster circular design strategies and to increase the volume of garments that are collected, resold and reused.

CDP Finds Auto Industry Must Go Low-Carbon to Survive

18 January 2018: The global auto industry must rapidly adapt to technological changes and strengthen environmental regulations or risk falling behind, according to a report by CDP. The report ranks 16 of the world’s largest publicly listed auto companies on readiness for a low carbon transition.

Initiatives Announced under Third International Year of the Reef

17 January 2018: On the occasion of the third International Year of the Reef (IYOR), the UN, governments and non-government organizations reiterated their commitment to protect coral reefs. The IYOR aims to strengthen global awareness of the value of coral reef ecosystems, promote partnerships, and identify and implement effective management strategies for the conservation, sustainable use and resilience of reef ecosystems.

UN Secretary-General Presents 12 Priorities for 2018

16 January 2018: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has presented his priorities for 2018, identifying 12 areas of concern where action is required immediately. He also provided details on a system-wide strategy for gender equality.

PAGE Shows Way to Green Economic Transition through Industrial Policy

January 2018: Green industrial policy can help in the transformation to a green economy, and has social, environmental and economic co-benefits, according to a report published as part of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE). The authors outline approaches towards an economy that balances environmental sustainability and wealth creation.

Trial Landscapes Investment and Finance Toolkit Launched

January 2018: EcoAgriculture Partners and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Netherlands have launched a trial version of the Landscape Investment and Finance Toolkit (LIFT). The toolkit aims to help multi-stakeholder platforms access financing for integrated landscape management plans.

OECD Review Calls on Finland to Address Development Aid Decline

December 2017: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducted a review on the performance of Finland, including the implementation of its development cooperation policy and delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in partner countries. The assessment shows that Finland’s development aid has declined sharply over 2016, and it recommends setting plans to restore its foreign aid budget, to continue making impacts through development aid programs.

Agricultural Ministers Call for Action on Sustainable Livestock Production for SDG Implementation

20 January 2018: Agricultural Ministers and representatives of international organizations participating in the tenth Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) stressed the need for action towards more sustainable, responsible and efficient livestock production and animal husbandry to address global challenges, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger); SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being); and SDG 13 (Climate Action).