SDGs

In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which encompassed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – also known by many as the Global Goals. These goals built on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were in place from 2000 to 2015 – thought with some important changes to enhance the likelihood of success.

Whereas the MDGs were developed by the UN system and national governments – with little recognition of the role of others, the SDGs emerged from a multi-stakeholder approach. Two of the OTB team were in Brazil for the Rio+20 Summit in 2012 where momentum was generated for a collaborative approach to developing, and implementing, what we now call the SDGs. While the SDGs were officially adopted through the UN system, civil society, business, academics and others have a level of commitment and ownership to the SDGs not evident with the MDGs.

The second important change is that the SDGs are ‘universal’. The MDGs had a focus on the developing world, whereas the SDGs are for all. It is recognised that all communities, cities, countries and regions have sustainable development challenges that must be addressed. We are all connected, and while priorities may vary from community to community, the issues are inter-connected as is the world we live in.

The conversations of the (not yet existing) Out of the Box team in Rio 5 years ago, and subsequent conversations with like-minded colleagues lead to the birth of Out of the Box. It was clear to us then that while there was a desire, and a need for greater collaboration, this is easier said than done. Those in government, civil society, and the private sector approach challenges in different ways, using different languages and ways of work. Bringing out the best in each requires planning, dialogue and translation. So that is what we do, and that is how we developed our mantra.

When the right people are brought together in the right context, with the right tools sustainable change happens

As we see what is working, and what is not working so well with the implementation of the SDGs, we are more convinced than ever that our mantra is right… and so that remains our focus.
In our upcoming series of blogs, we will share more of how we are working to bring organisations together to bring change in the communities they work. Stay tuned!