The Political Economy of Sustainable Development

The United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution A/RES/70/1), adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015 by 193 Nation States, provides us with a comprehensive policy blueprint in which all nations can be economically prosperous, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable and well-governed by 2030, at all levels of government. The Agenda contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, alongside a vision, means of implementation, and a follow up and review process. While all goals are considered interlinked across the economic, social, environmental and governance pillars of sustainable development, specific goals are attached to each pillar. SDGs 1 to 7 fall under the social pillar of sustainable development, and refer to targets on poverty, nutrition, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and access to sustainable energy, respectively. SDGs 8 to 12 fall under the economic pillar and provide targets for the economy in terms of economic growth but alongside decent work, industry/innovation/infrastructure for sustainable development, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption and production, respectively. SDGs 13, 14, and 15 form the environmental pillar and provide targets for the care of our planet in terms of climate, life under water, and land, respectively. Finally, SDGs 16 and 17 refer to important governance goals for the Agenda: peace/justice/strong institutions; and, partnerships for sustainable development, respectively.