Can the SDGs really transform our world?

In 2015, the UK and 192 other countries signed up to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, reduce inequality and address climate change by 2030.

The SDGs represent a step forward in their recognition of systemic issues like inequality, peace and justice. But some critics say there has been a lack of concrete action by states or little space for accountability by citizens.

In July, the UK government will present its progress on achieving these goals at the UN’s High-level Political Forum. The UK played a central role in the goals’ development, but its focus has declined since then.

Why is it so important that the UK engages with the SDGs on the international stage? How can NGOs ensure that it upholds the goals’ central principle that the most marginalised shouldn’t be left behind? This episode of Bond’s podcast explores how we as NGOs can drive this agenda forward to create meaningful change.

Bond’s Kit Dorey talks to Diane Kingston OBE, senior advisor on policy and government affairs at Frontline AIDS, Matt Jackson, UK director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Keya Khandaker, accountability advocate for the SDGs and PhD student.

Listen to the podcast below, on Apple podcasts or on your Android player.