The developing world is already under shortage of the finance required for their development. To add soar to a wound, this part of the world is severely stricken by various factors that aggravate it’s already disadvantaged position. For instance, it was one of the severely hit places due to the global scourge, COVID 19. In addition to the loss of lives, the economic and social crisis it caused has obstructed the already fledgling economy.
Climate change has also caused formidable damage on the economies of the developing countries. This issue is continuously raised by all sides as a disaster that is punishing the developing world for the crimes of the developed ones.
The drastic deterioration of the global temperature is the result of the uncontrolled greenhouse gas emission from the industries of the developed countries. However the developing countries are paying the price as they are the primary victims of the global threat.
The SDGs are actually agenda of the world that attempts to share the problem of the entire world. Yet it is possible to argue that the SDGs at some point have lost its direction as first and foremost the SDG primarily deals with global problems for which developing countries are principal victims. This means majority of the goals are primarily concerned with the prevailing problems in this part of the world.
For instance the developing world is in many ways victims of the unfair global economic and political order. The developing countries do not get fair and adequate share for the resources that are input for the developed world.
Still the world lacks commitment of the implementation of the goals set for this purpose. In his address to the UNGA, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekeonnen, noted that there is a shortfall in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitment under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
The Addis Ababa Action Agenda is a document ratified by the Development Financing Department of the UN after the Third International Conference on Development Financing conducted here in Addis Ababa in 2015. It was devised to establish a strong foundation to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It provides a new global framework for financing sustainable development by aligning all financing flows and policies with economic, social and environmental priorities.
Demeke criticized the lack of commitment especially in the effective implementation of the action agenda which would have brought immense outcome in the realization of the SDGs that are nearing their deadline. But the shortfall in the implementation is a severe setback for all even though the developing countries are still on the disadvantaged side.
The successful implementation of the SDGs are however very helpful not only for the developing countries. The developed world is also a victim of the socioeconomic problems in the developing countries. It is enough to look at the refugee crisis in Europe that is worsening day by day. The refugees are both political and economic refugees who would have remained at home had they got adequate opportunities at home.
Therefore, due attention should be given to the issue of financing development under the framework of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, so as to meet the global development agenda whose deadline is rapidly approaching. Everyone should work hand in hand to see a better world by mobilizing all efforts towards the realization of the SDGs.
The Ethiopian Herald September 21/2023
