SDG without Sponsors

Written by Dr Wassef Y. EL ABED

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Arab Countries Without Sponsors: Challenges and Opportunities

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, offer a blueprint for addressing global challenges like poverty, hunger, and climate change. However, for many Arab countries, the path to achieving the SDGs has been fraught with difficulties, particularly when there is a lack of external sponsorship or funding. In 2024, progress remains uneven across the region, with some countries making strides while others lag behind, hindered by political instability, economic crises, and limited resources.

Challenges Facing SDG Implementation Without Sponsorship

1. Funding Gaps:
   • Arab countries, especially low- and middle-income nations, heavily rely on international funding and sponsorships to implement large-scale sustainable development projects. Without sponsors, many governments face significant budget constraints, hindering progress in key areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. For example, Yemen and Syria, which are dealing with ongoing conflict, struggle to fund even basic services, let alone ambitious SDG initiatives.
2. Political Instability and Conflict:
   • Political instability and civil unrest, as seen in countries like Libya, Syria, and Iraq, have severely affected their ability to make progress on SDGs. Without the stability necessary to attract external investments or build sustainable programs, these nations fall behind in areas such as poverty reduction (SDG 1) and access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6). Conflict diverts resources away from development projects, often creating an overreliance on humanitarian aid rather than long-term sustainability solutions.
3. Limited Institutional Capacity:
   • In many Arab countries, the institutional framework required to implement SDG-related policies is underdeveloped. Without strong institutions, governance, and transparency, it becomes difficult to mobilize domestic resources and enact the necessary reforms. Countries like Sudan and Mauritania face challenges in establishing governance structures that can effectively monitor and promote SDG goals without international support.
4. Private Sector Engagement:
   • Without sponsorship or external funding, the role of the private sector becomes crucial for financing and implementing sustainable development initiatives. However, in many Arab countries, there is a lack of active collaboration between the government and private sector businesses in achieving SDG targets. The absence of incentives and clear policies to engage the private sector further limits their participation in driving progress.

Opportunities and Alternative Approaches

Despite these challenges, there are several ways Arab countries can work towards achieving the SDGs without relying solely on sponsors:

1. Regional Cooperation:
   • Regional bodies such as the League of Arab States and ESCWA have been instrumental in fostering cooperation among Arab countries. Collaborative projects in areas like water management, renewable energy, and education can pool resources and expertise, reducing the dependency on foreign sponsors. For instance, joint efforts in renewable energy between Jordan, Morocco, and the UAE show how countries with different resource endowments can share knowledge and funding.
2. Resource Optimization:
   • In the absence of sponsors, countries can focus on optimizing the use of available resources. Renewable energy offers a promising avenue for Arab countries, especially those with abundant solar and wind potential like Morocco and Tunisia. By investing in sustainable energy projects, these countries not only address SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) but also reduce their energy costs, creating savings that can be redirected towards other SDG targets.
3. Civil Society and Grassroots Movements:
   • Civil society organizations and grassroots movements play a critical role in achieving the SDGs in many Arab countries. Even in nations with limited government resources, local initiatives driven by NGOs, community groups, and activists are making strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and gender equality (SDG 5). These grassroots movements often rely on volunteerism and domestic contributions, showcasing the power of community-led solutions.
4. Leveraging Technology and Innovation:
   • Technological innovation can provide cost-effective solutions for achieving the SDGs. Arab countries like the UAE and Egypt have begun embracing technologies such as smart agriculture and digital health platforms to address food security (SDG 2) and improve healthcare systems (SDG 3) without relying heavily on external sponsors.
5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
   • Public-Private Partnerships offer a viable alternative to external sponsorship by mobilizing private sector investments for public benefit. Through well-structured PPPs, countries can address infrastructure needs, improve public services, and stimulate economic growth. Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have successfully implemented PPPs in sectors such as renewable energy and transportation.

The Way Forward

While the lack of sponsors presents significant obstacles, Arab countries have the potential to make progress toward the SDGs through regional collaboration, resource optimization, grassroots movements, and private sector engagement. It will require innovative approaches, strong governance, and a commitment to building resilient institutions to overcome the financial and logistical challenges that stand in the way of achieving the 2030 Agenda.

Conclusion:

Achieving the SDGs in Arab countries without sponsors is challenging but not impossible. By embracing alternative approaches, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration, Arab nations can still move forward on the path toward sustainable development. However, continued focus on strengthening governance, building institutional capacity, and addressing the root causes of conflict and poverty remains critical to success.