In a powerful display of global commitment, leaders and dignitaries united at the Times Group’s Global Sustainability Alliance (GSA)’s SDG Summit 2023
While there has been a surge in efforts towards the SDGs in recent years, the imperative to do more remains undeniably pressing the recently convened GSA’s SDG Summit 2023 addressed the theme Strengthening Economies – Collaboration! Financing! Resilience while it put forth discussions that confronted the paramount challenges within sustainable development head-on.
Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, the Minister of Finance of the Royal Government of Bhutan, in his ministerial address set the tone by emphasizing Bhutan’s commitment to holistic, sustainable, and resilient development. He emphasized that economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment, and Bhutan has been dedicated to carbon neutrality since 2009. The nation’s eco-friendly strategies are aimed at facilitating carbon neutrality efforts. Minister Tshering also announced Bhutan’s intention to diversify environmental expenditures by expanding funding options. He highlighted Bhutan’s remarkable achievement of 100 percent rural electrification and the recent intensification of efforts to promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Bhutan’s holistic approach to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability positions it as a global case study for environmental justice and a carbon-neutral future.
“We seek to ensure our county’s holistic, sustainable, and resilient development. The green path of economic growth recognizes that economic growth should not come at the cost of the environment. The Royal Govt. of Bhutan has been committed to carbon neutrality since 2009.”
– Lyonpo Namgay Tshering, Minister of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan
In a powerful keynote address Shombi Sharp, the UN Resident Coordinator in India reflected on the global significance of the recent G20 summit in Delhi. He conveyed the message from world leaders that there is a collective call for a green, prosperous, and peaceful world. He emphasized that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not just a list of goals but represent the hope of the world for a better future. Sharp highlighted India’s role in advancing the SDGs, noting that as the country moves forward in its development journey, it will play a substantial part in fulfilling these goals. He stressed the importance of harnessing the energy and momentum generated at the G20 summit and channeling it toward New York. India’s progress toward a green transition, with increased private sector investments in renewables and capacity enhancement, was recognized as a positive step. While emphasizing that the need for partnerships with the private sector to secure sustained financing for both short-term and long-term SDG targets, while highlighting the potential of gender dividends.
“I believe the energy and momentum from New Delhi did travel to New York. India is well on its way to a green transition as the private sector weighs in investments in embracing renewables and enhancing capacity.”
– Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India
Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister in-charge, Government of Meghalaya shared Meghalaya’s commitment to sustainability and regenerative economies. Meghalaya, known for its extensive forest coverage, is actively promoting sustainable employment opportunities for its people. Dr. Lyngdoh expressed hope that Meghalaya would be recognized for its best agricultural practices, which have contributed to maintaining 76 percent forestation in the state. She reiterated the state’s dedication to transitioning to a regenerative economy, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
“We have some very good practices that have enabled us to maintain 76 percent of forestation in the state. Our state must change to a regenerative economy and that’s our commitment.”
– Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister in-charge, Government of Meghalaya
One of the key takeaways from the SDG Summit was the recognition of the need for global cooperation and collective action to make meaningful progress toward these goals. Many of the issues addressed by the SDGs are inherently transnational in nature. Climate change, for example, does not respect national borders, and economic inequalities often have spillover effects that impact neighboring countries and the global community as a whole. Therefore, the summit underscored the imperative for countries and stakeholders to work together collaboratively, pooling their resources, expertise, and efforts to tackle these shared challenges effectively.
