This October, the world leaders unanimously unveiled the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at UN general assembly summit in New York, USA. The SDGs are expected to shape the global agenda on economic, social and environmental development for the next 15 years. They are to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which will come to an end this year, 15 years after they were adopted. For the first time, the African Union, African leaders, civil society and the private sector have had consensus on a Common African Position (CAP) which was presented at the initial drafting of the SDGs. The CAP sketched out Africa’s development agenda in an effort to narrow the divide between those thinking about and formulating development goals and those living it day to day. It showed that Africans are now actively involved in the global development debate. This time it does seem different, Africans are far more aware of their continent’s development needs, and there is a growing unanimity around “African solutions for Africa’s problems”. Moreover, there is greater cohesion and a higher degree of diplomatic sophistication as decision makers consider changing global dynamics with the commercial interests. There have been major changes in the world economy, and with its geopolitics but the old aid paradigm with Western nations and rich philanthropists setting the agenda is now seen as no-good-deal for the African continent. Relying on donor funding is irrefutably a hindrance to Africa’s progression. So far MDGs have opened up a political space for a debate about development too. The UNDP’s MDG ‘campaign’ was important in keeping a development agenda on the radar of governments around the world. These commitments were amplified, extended and supported by the major efforts of other development partners and several achievements have been realized. SDGs must now stimulate increased investment, facilitate key structural changes that can propel a more open and connected Africa, a better business environment granting access to the vast potential the continent has to offer, and the key imperative is economic growth. This can effectively be done by streamlining variety of processes, driven by technology and innovation, state intervention, market reforms and citizen actions. If the SDGs are to have meaning, it is some new actions that will make the difference, and not getting hung up on its goals or targets. The underlying opportunities include growing interconnectedness. This burgeoning generation of young Africans who are more connected and empowered with information than anyone before, is a great asset towards the next step of development. They become strong campaign agents for pressing concerns like climate change, global warming, and renewable energy alongside creativity that comes with their growing innovation. SDGs can only be realized if the international community focuses on implementation from the outset, not just ambitious assurances but specific plans for achieving them. They are like prescribing Panadol for a broken leg. It might ease the pain, but is not going to address the problem. The SDGs offer us hope of a brighter, more inclusive agenda as well as a useful tool for furthering a platform for development. Therefore, African leaders must commit themselves both personally and professionally to the new global goals, and then brand that moment of commitment in a very noticeable way so that citizens around the continent take an interest and want to hold them accountable for delivering on these promises. These goals must survive democratic successions and live into the next political term. Non-state actors must also be “duty-bearers” that share with states the responsibility to progressively realize the development agenda. The path to development requires coordinated action among a vast array of other different actors who all have an impact on the health, income, and education of people. Rwanda’s success in delivering the MDGs is attributed to determination to use them to develop concrete programmes rooted in the principle of shared responsibility within the Rwandan society. The approach has enabled Rwanda to rebuild a transformed economy at the service of its citizens. These are best practices for sustainable economic, social and environment goals which drive our collective efforts in having a prosperous Africa. There is no doubt that there are other countries that also had the global goals at the heart of their transformation agenda. Ultimately, SDGs can change the course towards a vibrant economic growth in the whole continent if well handled by our policy makers. Africa as a continent is rich in all dimensions and must not be dependent on donor funding year in year out. We need to tap the potentiality of this continent. Africa stands on the brink of opportunity to bring lasting growth and prosperity to its people. Good governance, transparency and expertise are some tools needed to deliver inclusive and sustainable development. It is the right time for the continent to re-assess its abilities and get on the move towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. oscar_kim2000@yahoo.co.uk
