SDG Implementation Progress: A Look at the Philippines

MEMBERS Coronacion SUSTAINABL Abasula Catapte E Valena Solleza DEVELOPME Fabrea Llorin NT GOALS Combalicer AND THEIR Zulueta RELATIONSHI  SUSTAINABLE D...

MEMBERS Coronacion SUSTAINABL Abasula Catapte E Valena Solleza DEVELOPME Fabrea Llorin NT GOALS Combalicer AND THEIR Zulueta RELATIONSHI  SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS The United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 as the world agenda to accomplish a sustainable future by 2030. The Sustainable Development Goals encompass 17 objectives that range over a variety of social, economic, and environmental issues. Each objective comes with specific goals and markers for guiding progress and gauging outcomes (United Nations, 2020). WHAT ARE THE 17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS?  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  17 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS  THE ROLE OF GOVERNANCE IN ACHIEVING SDG’S  WHAT IS GOVERNANCE? GOVERNANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PHILIPPINES REFERS TO THE PROCESSES, STRUCTURES, AND PRACTICES THROUGH WHICH PUBLIC AUTHORITY IS EXERCISED. THIS INCLUDES THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES THAT DETERMINE HOW POWER AND RESOURCES ARE DISTRIBUTED AND HOW PUBLIC POLICIES ARE IMPLEMENTED. GOVERNANCE ENCOMPASSES VARIOUS LEVELS, FROM NATIONAL TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND INVOLVES PARTICIPATION FROM CIVIL SOCIETY, THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS (GLASGOW, 2024). IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNANCE Accountability Compliance Resource Management Cultural Integrity  Policy HOW Framework Participatio EFFECTIVE n GOVERNANC Non- E SUPPORTS Discrimination Transparenc THE y IMPLEMENT Capacity Development EXAMPLES OF GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS THAT CAN Local Government Unit FACILITATE(LGU) Multi-Stakeholder PROGRESS Platforms National Development Plans E-Governance  CHALLENGES IN GOVERNANCE AND SDG IMPLEMENTATION POLITICAL RESOURCE INSTABILITY ALLOCATION CORRUPTIO N  POLITICAL INSTABILITY A stable political environment is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, ensuring dignity and equality for all people (Al-Fouly, 2023). The implementation of SDGs faces several challenges, including: Lack of political will Policy inconsistency Geopolitical conflicts (Tutorchase, 2023) In the Philippines, political instability hinders progress toward sustainability: The short-term nature of political cycles frequently shifts power within the government. This leads to policy inconsistency, as new leaders may abandon or neglect existing policies. CORRUPTION The 16th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions" which aims to achieve anti-corruption and reduce bribery. Corruption remains a significant barrier to achieving SDGs. Funds intended for development projects are often stolen for personal use. This misappropriation leads to unproductive projects. Resources intended for other sectors are siphoned off due to corruption. Corruption erodes public trust in government. This loss of trust complicates the implementation of effective policies and projects. The Philippines exemplifies this issue, with ongoing corruption challenges. In 2023, the country ranked 155th out of 180 in the world’s most corrupt nations (Tutorchase,  RESOURCE ALLOCATION In countries facing both corruption and political instability, the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) becomes extremely challenging. The unstable political environment and high levels of corruption can result in: Insufficient resource allocation for SDGs. Diversion of funds intended for SDGs to corrupt individuals and political interests (Tutorchase, 2023). According to Sorooshian (2024): There is an uneven distribution of resources across the 17 SDGs. Some goals receive significant research attention, while others are neglected. The author emphasizes the need to address this uneven prioritization of goals to successfully achieve the SDGs. CASE STUDIES OF COUNTRIES STRUGGLING WITH GOVERNANCE ISSUES  TITLE: ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOVERNANCE IN IMPLEMENTING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY CONTEXT: EVIDENCE FROM TANZANIA OVERVIEW IMPORTANCE OF STRONG GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS), PARTICULARLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. EMPHASIS ON THE NEED FOR MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, NETWORK, AND MARKET-BASED GOVERNANCE. LIMITED INVOLVEMENT OF VARIOUS META-GOVERNORS AFFECTS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNANCE. INSUFFICIENT NETWORK AND MARKET-BASED GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR ACHIEVING SDGS.  TITLE: SDG IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS: WHAT DOES THE ASIAN EXPERIENCE REVEAL? (SOUTH ASIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA) OVERVIEW SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS MADE REGIONS ANALYZED ⚬ Poverty alleviation ⚬ Agricultural advancement SOUTH ASIA ⚬ Access to core education AFGHANISTAN ⚬ Resilience to climate vulnerabilities BANGLADESH BHUTAN Ongoing Challenges MALDIVES ⚬ Reducing inequalities NEPAL ⚬ Promoting healthcare ⚬ Ensuring sanitation SOUTHEAST ASIA ⚬ Generating decent employment opportunities INDONESIA LAO PDR Enduring Challenges MALAYSIA ⚬ Issues of good governance PHILIPPINES ⚬ Need for effective institutions VIETNAM  BEST PRACTICES AND SUCCESS STORIES SINGAPORE FINLAND NEW ZEALAND  SINGAPORE'S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Integrated Planning and Policy Frameworks ⚬ Holistic policies align with sustainable development goals. FRAMEWORK ⚬ Objectives include balancing sustainable and economic growth. ⚬ Initiatives include the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint and Singapore Green Plan 2030. ⚬ Focus on urban sustainability, green building practices, and electrification of public transportation (Singapore Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, 2021).  SINGAPORE'S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Public Engagement and Education Active citizen engagement in sustainability efforts. FRAMEWORK Example: Household Sustainability Programme educating residents on sustainable practices. Collaborations among government, private enterprises, and civil society to promote sustainability (UN ESCAP, 2021). Data-Driven Decision Making Utilization of technology and data analytics in governance. Smart Nation initiative enhances service delivery in urban planning, transportation, and environmental management (Singapore Smart Nation, 2021).  SINGAPORE'S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Inclusive Policies 1.Accessibility to Education FRAMEWORK ⚬ Reduced costs for education ensure equality across gender and socio-economic backgrounds (The Global Citizen Academy, 2021). 2.Healthcare and Housing ⚬ Subsidized healthcare provided by the state. ⚬ Public housing initiatives for low-income families and elderly citizens (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2023). 3.Workplace Inclusivity ⚬ Programs like SkillsFuture elevate low-wage migrant workers to higher prospects, fostering diversity (SG101, 2023).  SINGAPORE'S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Community Engagement FRAMEWORK 1.Kampung Admiralty ⚬ Community-led housing project integrating health and social care with resident input (Singapore Cooperation Programme, 2018). 2.Public Consultation ⚬ Government organizes consultations to gather citizen opinions on urban planning and sustainability projects (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2023). 3.Volunteer Programs ⚬ Initiatives like the "SG Cares" movement promote community giving and support (The Global Citizen Academy, 2021).  FINLAND’S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Comprehensive Education and Innovation Policies ⚬ Emphasis on equity and lifelong learning for all learners. FRAMEWORK ⚬ High-quality education provided regardless of historical backgrounds. ⚬ Significant government investment in teacher training. ⚬ Promotion of creativity and critical thinking among students. Sustainability and Environmental Policies ⚬ Aggressive carbon neutrality target set for 2035. ⚬ Contributions to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action. ⚬ Development of robust national policies on: ￭ Renewable energy ￭ Sustainable forestry ￭ Biodiversity conservation ⚬ Investments in clean technologies and encouragement of research and innovation for sustainable practices.  FINLAND’S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Inclusive Policy Initiatives FRAMEWORK 1.Participatory Governance Involvement of civil society and stakeholders in policy-making and independent assessments of SDG progress. 1.Education and Training Educational programs like the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKBD) focused on skills development for youth and marginalized groups. 1.Gender Equality Initiatives Policies aimed at reducing gender imbalances in the labor market and enhancing women's rights.  FINLAND’S INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY Community Engagement Efforts 1.National Commission on Sustainable Development FRAMEWORK ⚬ Platform for collaboration between government, civil society, and businesses to create sustainable development plans. 2.Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) ⚬ Integration of SDGs into Åland municipal strategic planning for local community involvement in evaluating SDGs progress. 3.Citizen Panels ⚬ Inclusion of ordinary citizens in rating Finland's sustainable development indicators to encourage grassroots participation. 4.Commitment ⚬ Introduction of various targets for individuals or organizations to enhance engagement across all sectors of society.  NEW ZEALAND: KEY INITIATIVES FOR WELLBEING AND Wellbeing Framework SUSTAINABLE ⚬ Integrates wellbeing into mainstream performance measures. DEVELOPMENT ⚬ Aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ⚬ Combines economic, social, environmental, and cultural factors. ⚬ Focuses on sustainable growth with equality, moving beyond GDP. Commitment to Climate Action ⚬ Aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. ⚬ Implements the Climate Change Response Act 2002 for a comprehensive climate strategy. ⚬ Promotes renewable energy, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture.  NEW ZEALAND: KEY INITIATIVES FOR WELLBEING AND SUSTAINABLE Indigenous Rights and Sustainable Development Upholds the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori perspectives. DEVELOPMENT Integrates indigenous knowledge into environmental and social governance. Supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Inclusive Policies Treaty of Waitangi Commitment Incorporates Māori views into policy-making to reduce inequalities. Child Poverty Reduction Act Mandates government action to achieve poverty-reduction goals, focusing on child poverty. Living Standards Framework (LSF) Considers well-being beyond economic profits; includes social and environmental aspects in policy-making.  NEW ZEALAND: KEY INITIATIVES FOR WELLBEING AND Community EngagementSUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 1.Hui E! Community Aotearoa ⚬ Engages civil society organizations to promote SDG implementation. 2.Public Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement ⚬ Engages with Māori and other stakeholders to inform policy decisions regarding SDGs. 3.Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) ⚬ Annually shares SDG achievement information, involving community groups and NGOs to enhance transparency. 4.Local Government Initiatives ⚬ Local councils develop their own sustainability plans to encourage community participation in decision-making. RECOMMENDATIO NS FOR IMPROVING GOVERNANCE TO ACHIEVE THE SDGS  Enhance Transparency and Accountability ⚬ Implement policies to promote transparency in government operations and decision- making. ⚬ Build trust between citizens and the state. ⚬ Ensure proper utilization of resources (Source: UN DESA & IDLO, 2021). Foster Inclusive Participation ⚬ Encourage participation from all stakeholders in the policy-making process. ⚬ Ensure inclusivity across all segments of society (Source: UN DESA & IDLO, 2021). Enhance Monitoring and Evaluation ⚬ Develop systems to track progress and identify areas for improvement. ⚬ Provide data-driven insights for adaptive management. ⚬ Ensure accountability in governance (Source: UN DESA & IDLO, 2021). Foster International Cooperation ⚬ Collaborate with other countries and international organizations. ⚬ Share knowledge, resources, and best practices. ⚬ Strengthen global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Source: UN DESA & IDLO, 2021).  Strategies for international cooperation and support  KEY STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL Strengthening Multilateralism COOPERATION ⚬ Enhance the role of the AND SUPPORT United Nations and its specialized agencies. ⚬ Provide platforms for global dialogue and decision-making. ⚬ Develop effective mechanisms of global governance to address transnational challenges (e.g., climate change, poverty, inequality). Enhanced Public-Private Partnerships ⚬ Encourage private sector investment in sustainable development through: ￭ Incentives ￭ Tax breaks ￭ Collaborations ⚬ Facilitate public-private collaboration in research and development for innovative solutions to global problems. South-South and Triangular Cooperation ⚬ Facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer among poorer economies. ⚬ Encourage collaboration between developed and developing countries to address common challenges.  KEY STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL Increased Financial Flows COOPERATION AND SUPPORT Maintain and enhance Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments to developing countries. Explore innovative financing schemes (e.g., impact investments, green bonds, carbon markets). Implement debt relief for highly indebted countries to free up resources for development. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer Support developing countries in establishing capacity for sustainable development policy implementation. Facilitate the transfer of environmentally sound technology to developing nations. Information Sharing and Knowledge Improve information gathering and analysis for better decision-making and tracking progress. Promote exchanges of best practices and lessons learned among countries. Civil Society Partnerships Empower civil society to advocate for sustainable development and hold governments and businesses accountable. Establish spaces for dialogue among governments, businesses, and civil society to address common challenges.