Think global and act local: Pakistan's SDGs challenge

Pakistan was the first country to officially adopt the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the federal level, incorporating them into its national agenda and budgeting and setting up SDGs Service Delivery Units in federal and provincial headquarters. Despite these efforts, the country ranks 137th out of 167 nations, signaling a significant gap between policy and practice. The primary issue lies in the disconnect between top-level SDG initiatives and their execution at the grassroots level. The SDGs replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, which Pakistan struggled to meet due to a centralised, top-down approach. The SDGs emphasise a "whole of government" and a "whole of society" approach, requiring the involvement of federal, provincial and local governments, civil society, NGOs, businesses and individual citizens. However, without robust local participation, these goals remain largely aspirational.

The SDGs revolve around five core themes, often called the "5 P's"—Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. Each theme is interconnected, with the protection of the planet's natural resources and climate sustainability being key to eradicating poverty and hunger. This, in turn, fosters peace, justice and social inclusion. Achieving these goals necessitates partnerships across all levels of society.

A significant challenge for Pakistan is the lack of local involvement. While SDGs Service Delivery Units exist, their reach often does not extend beyond designated areas. A 2019 report by Gold V pointed out the absence of local government representation in the SDGs framework, underscoring a critical flaw. Local governments, which are closest to communities, are frequently excluded from planning and decision-making processes. An international conference in 2018 titled "Think Global, Act Local - SDG Implementation through Local Governments" stressed the importance of empowering local councils, yet significant progress is still needed.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon remarked, "Development is domestic like politics," highlighting the necessity of local engagement in driving sustainable development. Local governments directly address issues such as clean water, education and economic growth - core aspects of the SDGs. Empowering these local bodies ensures that marginalised and vulnerable communities are included in the decision-making process, helping to align global goals with local realities.

Looking at other developing nations can provide valuable lessons for Pakistan. For instance, Rwanda, ranked 90th in the 2024 SDGs Index, has successfully implemented a bottom-up governance model that engages local communities in the SDGs agenda. Similarly, Bangladesh (ranked 107th) and Kenya (ranked 123rd) have utilised decentralised governance to enhance community participation in development initiatives. Countries like Bhutan (61st), Maldives (67th), Sri Lanka (93rd) and Nepal (95th) also showcase successful localised approaches to achieving the SDGs.

For Pakistan, a major obstacle is that local governments lack sufficient financial and administrative autonomy to effectively execute SDG-related programmes. Although the Constitution of 1973 guarantees the devolution of power, many local councils remain under-resourced and have little authority to make decisions on key development issues, which hinders progress. For future development, the role of SDGs is crucial in boosting local-level development, as they are based on approaches that connect people, the planet and the environment. This necessitates that all governments and institutions prioritise people at the centre of development efforts. Most SDG targets relate directly to localities and their welfare; thus, localisation can serve as a change agent to align global goals with local communities.

There is a dire need to raise awareness among the masses regarding the significance of the SDGs. Even individuals in higher forums often lack an understanding of the SDGs' true spirit. Recently, I attended the Leaders Fellowship 2024 in the Maldives from October 10 to October 13, focusing on SDGs. This event gathered over 40 participants from diverse nationalities, sharing various experiences related to the SDGs. However, a noticeable gap in relevant and specific knowledge regarding the implementation and localisation of SDGs worldwide highlighted the pressing need for focused discussions and training on how different countries can effectively localise and implement these global goals.

Local councillors, being locally mandated, can emerge as true parliamentarians who lead from the grassroots. They understand local culture, identify specific obstacles, reach out to marginalised communities, ensure participation without discrimination, facilitate public-private partnerships and address local grievances. Their pivotal role can significantly uplift communities through local taxation. Local government, being the closest level to the people, is the first line of response and must create ownership and awareness among the masses to achieve the globally agreed agenda.

To address the challenges of local governance in Pakistan, it is essential to strengthen local governments by devolving the financial and administrative powers. Lessons from Rwanda, Kenya and India illustrate that when local authorities have autonomy, they can develop tailored solutions addressing specific community needs. Raising public awareness about the SDGs is also critical. Countries like Bangladesh have successfully mobilised local communities through awareness campaigns, ensuring citizens understand their role in sustainable development. Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) is another vital strategy. In Ghana, such partnerships have driven progress in sectors like renewable energy and education. By involving the private sector, Pakistan can harness additional resources and expertise to meet its development goals, particularly at the local level. Additionally, community-led monitoring systems can help track SDG progress. Uganda has implemented a community scorecard system, enabling citizens to provide feedback on local government services and development projects. This kind of bottom-up monitoring ensures greater accountability and transparency, which are critical for achieving the SDGs.

Pakistan's success in achieving the SDGs will depend on moving away from a top-down approach and embracing local empowerment. By fostering local ownership, building partnerships and creating robust monitoring systems, Pakistan can make meaningful strides toward achieving these global goals. The slogan "Think Global, Act Local" is not just rhetoric - it is a necessary strategy to ensure that no one is left behind.