The private sector is recognized as a key partner to the achievement of the universally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In terms of financing, the challenge to achieve the SDGs is not just about mobilizing more money – it is more systemic and much deeper than closing any financial gap. We need to re-orient how public and private actors interact with each other in a system that achieves results in the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. Whether you are a Micro, small, medium, and large companies, self-employed workers, business associations, unions, chambers of commerce, and foundations, there are various avenues in which we could partner!

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have a vital role to play in reviewing progress toward achieving SDGs. They can provide supplementary, citizen-orientated data on national progress or stagnation. Enabling constructive dialogue between different stakeholders is at the heart of sustainable development, and where civil society can analyse and supplement government reports. We shall be better able to ensure that no-one is left behind during the implementation of the SDGs. Three core ways in which CSOs contribute to the implementation of the SDGs – their roles in realisation, representation and regulation

Academic Institutions, with their broad remit around the creation and dissemination of knowledge and their unique position within society, have a critical role to play in the achievement of the SDGs. Education and research are explicitly recognized in several the SDGs and universities have a direct role in addressing these. However, the contribution of universities to the SDGs is much broader, as they can support the implementation of every one of the SDGs as well as the implementation of the SDG framework itself.

Do you relate to Greta Thunberg’s thumping speech at the Climate Change Conference? Over a third of the 169 SDG targets highlight the role of young people and the importance of their empowerment, participation, and well-being. As young leaders of tomorrow, it is pivotal that youth are informed and engaged with the global vision for the future. Over the next decade, youth will not only directly experience the outcome of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and plans but will also be the key driver for their successful implementation.