The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 17 is truly global. It aims to build support networks between so-called developed and developing countries. Working together is the only way sustainable development initiatives will thrive.

In 2015, world leaders laid out the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The agenda included 17 ambitious goals such as ending poverty, tackling climate change, and getting rid of inequalities. The UN SDGs are a call to action to ensure a better world for everyone.

Goal 17, partnerships for the goals, might be most important of all the UN SDGs, because the rest of the goals depend on it. In order to reach these goals, governments, the private sector, academics, and regular people need to work together. For everyone to benefit, everyone needs to contribute.

What is UN SDG 17 all about?

Goal 17 focuses on building and improving partnerships between countries and international organisations.

Official development assistance

In general, regions with more resources will provide additional support to areas with fewer financial resources to commit to development challenges.

For example, the European Union (EU) is the world’s biggest donor to development projects. A massive 57% of global Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is another term for international aid, came from the EU in 2017, according to the European Commission.

UN reports show that ODA from country to country has dropped in the last few years, falling by 0.6% from 2016 to 2017. The benchmark for ODA set by the UN is 0.7% of a country’s gross national income, but in 2017 only five out of the 30 Development Assistance Committee countries met this target.

UN SDG 17 helps to make sure more developed countries remain fully committed to maintaining strong partnerships and to fully implementing ODA. It’s important to make sure resources are redistributed, and countries continue to look outward as well as inward.

Trade between countries

UN SDG 17 can also influence trade between countries. Making sure developing countries have fair opportunities for exports can improve their economies.

This has already been seen in action. Currently, 79% of imports from developing countries arrive in developed nations duty-free, according to the UN. This saves the exporting country money and gives them more access to global markets.

A network of partnerships

The partnerships referred to in UN SDG 17 also happen on a grassroots level. Projects like those run by GVI rely on, and take their direction from initiatives, or challenges, highlighted by local organisations. Partnerships for the goals and a healthy network of like-minded people can help change happen faster.

One example is GVI’s Chiang Mai elephant project, which connects GVI staff and international volunteers with the Karen elephant-keeping communities of Huay Pakoot. The result is a successful project that promotes animal welfare and conservation, while also tying in with other UN SDGs.

How are partnerships connected to international development?

GVI staff and program participants help to distribute food and other critical supplies following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. As a result of the event, GVI adjusted its programs to focus on disaster recovery.

Cooperation helps make sure development assistance is sent to the right place. For example, developing countries may have fewer resources to help alleviate the effects of natural disasters. This means financial aid is needed from nations with more resources.

Partnerships are also crucial for capacity building in developing countries. Capacity building involves empowering individuals and organisations with the knowledge, tools, and other resources they need to reach their goals.

International support is important for strengthening skills in communities around the world. For instance, GVI helps to create spaces for skills training in Cape Town through business management internships.

The aim of these internships is to provide spaces where communities can access the tools and skills they need to become successful micro-entrepreneurs. In developing their business skills local people are able to empower themselves and create opportunities for further economic growth within their communities.

This capacity building fits into the bigger picture of development. It helps to support national plans to achieve the other 16 SDGs.

GVI’s partnerships

GVI addresses UN SDG 17 by supporting local capacity building in developing countries.

GVI’s international projects support a wide range of local partners. In 2017, GVI partnered with 57 other organisations. Partnerships with local education providers and organisations allow GVI to facilitate skills training where it’s needed, helping to reach the 17 sustainable development goals. Essentially, these partnerships help make human empowerment at a local level possible.

Supporting international non-profits and governmental organisations is part of our ethical commitment. We offer recognition, financial support and the help of volunteers where necessary so that our partners can achieve their goals.

For a chance to see global partnerships for sustainable development at work, consider taking part in one of GVI’s volunteer programs. You’ll work with local partners on the ground while collaborating with other volunteers from around the globe. Find out more or enrol today.