“We have a habit of making poverty seem invisible”: How Canada can get back on track with the SDGs

Why It Matters

From poverty reduction to food security, the SDGs are more than utopian ideals, they are necessary changes needed for an equitable society. Our sectors need to transition into a more collaborative and intersectional approach in their work to make meaningful progress on the goals.

In-depth conversation: Are the SDGs relevant anymore? Devex editor Raj Kumar weighs in

Why It Matters

Global inequality is at a high — vaccine inequity is a salient example. As the Global North begins to recover, much of the Global South is still grappling with the pandemic’s social, health, and economic devastation. How NGOs, agencies, and governments engage in global development will be crucial for global recovery.

Indigenous lawyer Danika Littlechild doesn’t believe the SDGs are compatible with reconciliation. Here’s why.

Why It Matters

Successfully achieving the SDGs may be at odds with the spirit of nation-to-nation reconciliation and Indigenous self-empowerment. And without the consent of Indigenous peoples, the federal government would have a difficult time implementing a robust and credible sustainability agenda of any sort.

Transparency and localization: How social impact organizations can keep Canada on track to implement the SDGs

Why It Matters

No legal accountability measures exist within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure Canada follows through on implementing the SDGs. Civil society’s priorities around human development, gender equality, and climate action could guard against shifting government priorities.

Where does civil society fit into Canada’s plan to realize the Sustainable Development Goals?

Why It Matters

National and regional governments will do much of the heavy lifting, but even the United Nations acknowledges that civil society organizations will be instrumental to achieving the SDGs. Every aspect of Canadian society will need to get involved.