Pierre-Joseph KINGBO’s Post

"Gross domestic product (GDP) has long been the main indicator of economic growth used almost everywhere in the world. However, the measurement does not take into account other factors essential to a country’s growth and development, such as social inequalities, the environment and the well-being of citizens. In the last ten years, the climate deadlock and the limits of the current economic model based on the infinite growth of capitalism have prompted discussions of a “post-GDP” era. “Beyond GDP” is a new concept that expresses the need for a more inclusive and sustainable measure of development that goes beyond simply assessing a country’s economic output.

GDP Is Not Enough to Measure a Country’s Development. What If We Used the Sustainable Development Goals Instead? “Adopting the SDGs as a measure of development in rich countries requires a major paradigm shift. Many challenges need to be overcome, particularly in terms of methodology, data collection, policy implementation and social acceptability,” ERIC CHAMPAGNE and CRISTINA D'ALESSANDRO write. “The SDGs and their indicators represent a useful and innovative instrument for measuring the development of societies that takes into account a multiplicity of social and environmental factors, as well as political and economic ones. “Even if achieving the SDGs or decarbonizing the economy by 2030 seems unattainable, they are still legitimate. Not achieving all the targets doesn’t mean we should give up trying. This is provided, of course, that we take a step in the right direction by adopting a holistic approach to sustainable development, as opposed to using strictly economic indicators such as GDP. The vision proposed by the SDG framework provides a framework and objectives for guiding and implementing public policies that are better adapted to current and future challenges.”

SDG’s and Measuring Development 📈 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been the main indicator to measure economic growth around the world. However, this measurement does not take into account other factors which are essential to a country’s growth and development such as social inequalities, the environment and citizen wellbeing. There have been discussions for a new tool to measure, one which includes changing social, environmental and economic dynamics so that it is more reflective of the real world. Beyond GDP → The SDGs 🇺🇳 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 global goals implemented by the United Nations which cover a wide range of development challenges such as poverty, hunger, health and wellbeing, gender equality, WASH, affordable and clean energy, climate change and many, many more. Why are they more useful for measuring development? ➡️The SDGs offer an alternative and more comprehensive means for measuring countries’ progress and development. They address a series of interconnected global challenges. In this, they recognise the change of direction within the context of intense economic, social and environmental transformations. 🌍Next, the SDGs can be universally applied to countries regardless of their levels of development. This is important as it recognises that development challenges are not limited to specific regions around the world, but rather, they require global cooperation. 📊Lastly, there is an emphasis on data collection, monitoring and evaluation involved when utilising the SDG framework. This is significant as it enables tracking for progress, identifying gaps and disparities, along with adjusted strategies if needed. The SDGs include specific targets for each goal, providing a framework for measurement and accountability. Overall, moving away from GDP to the SDGs can be a better tool to use when measuring and even implementing global development strategies.  Here is the full link to The Conversation UK's article: https://lnkd.in/e-dHapYW. #globaldevelopment #gdp #sdg #measurement #internationaldevelopment

Great news for Outlook Australia The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the world’s first international guidelines for businesses and organizations to accelerate urgent progress on the SDGs. An SDG refers to a "Sustainable Development Goal." These are 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs aim to address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress. The 17 SDGs are: 1. No Poverty 2. Zero Hunger 3. Good Health and Well-being 4. Quality Education 5. Gender Equality 6. Clean Water and Sanitation 7. Affordable and Clean Energy 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure 10. Reduced Inequality 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 12. Responsible Consumption and Production 13. Climate Action 14. Life Below Water 15. Life on Land 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions 17. Partnerships for the Goals These goals are designed to be a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. https://lnkd.in/gQ6x2ENE

🌍 New Research Alert! 📊 Pleased to share our latest paper exploring the intersection of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and economic resilience in times of crisis. Using the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment and analyzing data from 72 countries over two years, surprisingly, we found that progress toward SDGs pre-pandemic did not translate into economic stability during the shock. Instead, factors like culture, openness, and economic structures emerged as key drivers of resilience. This research raises critical questions about how nations approach sustainability and its real-world impact during crises. 🌐 It also highlights the need for rethinking policies to ensure that sustainability efforts deliver on their promise of economic stability. For policymakers, academics, and professionals navigating sustainable development and resilience-building, this paper offers fresh insights and challenges prevailing assumptions. Thanks my coauthors John W. Goodell, Shazaib Butt FHEA FCMI CMBE, the editor of JOSFA Sabur Mollah, and three anonymous reviewers for making it to this stage. #Sustainability #EconomicResilience #SDGs #COVID19 #Research #Policy #Finance https://lnkd.in/deUP7Ukc

Emerging Economies Lead the Way 🌍 They are demonstrating how sustainable development can be achieved while fostering growth.   💡 A recent Green Economy Coalition (GEC) survey revealed that 70% of people prioritize environmental protection over economic growth, especially in developing nations. The survey, which included over 10,000 respondents from ten countries, showed strong public support for green initiatives. GEC's representative Jean McLean reflects on the findings of this survey 📖➡️ https://lnkd.in/e9FDwRqM GEC is the largest alliance for green economies, collaborates with various organizations to promote impactful change. It is a PAGE’s action partner. #GreenEconomy #Sustainability #SustainableLeadership #SustainableFuture Jean McLean Finance and Economic Transformation, UNEP

The ESDN is happy to present its 4th ESDN Newsflash of 2024! The Newsflashes provide a more detailed look into good practices in Europe on initiatives that are furthering sustainable development from selected European countries. This edition features a good practice case from Belgium called "The European Conference for a Just Transition - a Belgian Presidency High-Level event". A short excerpt can be read below and the 3-page Newsflash can be read by visiting the ESDN website: https://lnkd.in/evcGMQt2. The Just Transition concept is not new. In essence, it hails from the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) idea which remains central to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Simultaneously though, it has been featured prominently in the work of the International Labour Organisation. In 2015, the ILO adopted the “Guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all”, calling for a well-managed, environmentally sustainable economy that contributes to decent work for all, social inclusion, and lastly the eradication of poverty. In its 2023 “Resolution concerning a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all”, the ILO repeated this commitment, even calling for an ILO strategy and action plan on Just Transition. A Just Transition is also an important priority of the current European Commission, primarily for the implementation of the European Green Deal, for example through the Just Transition Mechanism and Social Climate Fund. A Just Transition entails shaping environmental policies that are developed inclusively and take into account the specific circumstances of workers, businesses, sectors, regions, and the most vulnerable in society. It is therefore unsurprising that the term is often changed to a Just and Inclusive Transition. Such a transition is vital to safeguard the support of citizens for a green transformation. In Europe, but also in other regions, much work remains to be done in this regard.   Within Belgium, a Just Transition process has been started since the end of 2022. A General Estates for a Just Transition, comprised of a High Committee (experts), Forum (civil society representatives), Citizens’ Agora (randomly selected citizens and societal representatives), and the administrations on the federal level, worked until the end of 2023 to deliver four policy advice reports on a national Just Transition. All of these reports were presented on the 8th and 9th of November 2023 in Brussels during the Conference for a Just Transition in Belgium: a public event that brought together ministers and representatives of the different levels of government, social partners, civil society, academic experts, and citizens, that took stock of the different positions on this issue, and served to inspire future work by the different governments in Belgium. Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024

The SDG Pulse 2024 released on 8 July provides a global reference for tracking developments related to the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The annual statistical publication, now in its sixth edition, paints a mixed picture of how the world is faring on the global goals, highlighting the stark disparities that remain despite significant advancements. “This report serves as a call to action, urging policymakers, businesses, and civil society to leverage its insights to drive meaningful change,” says UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, “The time for data-informed action is now.” The SDG Pulse 2024 comes on the heels of recent findings from the United Nations that only 17% of the SDG targets are on track, though the world is more than halfway along the timeline of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

ICEX GROUP is a part of the UN Global Compact 👍 🌍 Last month was MSME Day with the UN linking the importance of business to the circular economy and achieving the UN sustainability development goals. The UN say, “As we steer our ship into a new development course in a changing world, the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the circular economy is crystal clear. MSMEs, which account for 90% of businesses, more than 70% of employment, and 50% of GDP worldwide, remain the core of the economy for most societies. “A human-centered approach is central to the evolving 'circular economy,' emphasizing the importance of individuals and communities in driving sustainable transformation. Considering people's well-being and prioritizing inclusive participation ensures that new systems align and contextualize local culture and personal/institutional needs.” The Circular Economy is exactly what we are working towards! More and more needs to be done in all industries, at all levels, from material extraction to consumer habits to achieve a world that is both developing and sustainable. To read more follow the link here: https://lnkd.in/etPiWud For a free consultation about any of our services, or to have a chat about how we can help your organisation promote the circular economy to help people, the planet and your organisation, contact the ICEX team today: 📧 info@icex.co.uk 📞 01376 503900 ICEX GROUP’s mission is to securely revive or relocate, and if necessary, recycle all our clients’ technology assets, to help achieve digital equality, and reduce E-waste to landfill. #ITAD #STARR #MSMEDay #UNSDGs #Sustainability #CircularEconomy

🌍 UN Secretary-General's Report on SDG Progress: A Call to Action 🌍 A recent UN Secretary-General's report, released on May 2, 2024, provides a critical assessment of the progress made on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since their inception in 2015. While there have been notable achievements in areas like reducing infant mortality and improving access to essential services, the report highlights significant challenges that threaten to derail global efforts. Key Findings: - Only 15% of SDG targets are on track, with 36% either stagnating or regressing. - The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change have severely impacted progress, pushing an additional 23 million people into extreme poverty and increasing hunger levels by 123 million compared to 2019. - Despite record levels of official development assistance and foreign direct investment, the annual funding gap for developing countries remains at a staggering USD 4 trillion. Implications for Businesses: Australian businesses have a crucial role in advancing these goals. Aligning corporate strategies with SDG targets not only contributes to global sustainability but also mitigates risks and opens up new market opportunities. Key areas of focus in Australia should include: - Investing in renewable energy and sustainable practices. - Driving innovation in green technologies. - Enhancing partnerships across sectors to amplify impact. 🚀 Exclusive Insight for Our Members! 🚀 This report is a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action and robust policies to drive sustainable development. That's why our members have been comprehensively briefed on this critical issue through our Business Intelligence Service - Knowledge Hub. This exclusive service provides in-depth analysis and actionable insights on the business implications of global and national sustainability trends, ensuring our members can drive strategic planning and competitive edge. 🔗 Read the full report here: UN Secretary-General's Report on SDG Progress: https://lnkd.in/ephy_dNp #Sustainability #SDGs #UNReport #BusinessStrategy #GlobalGoals #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #CorporateResponsibility