Saving the SDGs? Strengthening partnership for achieving SDGs in the Post-Covid-19 Digital World

Abstract

The 2020, intended to give a good start to the Decade of Action to achieve SDGs by the target date of 2030, became a year of unprecedented health, social and economic crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic plunged the world into the worst global recession since the Great Depression, reversed progress across the full range of the SDGs jeopardizing the Agenda 2030 implementation. To build back better it is vital to assess the COVID-19 pandemic impact on economic growth and sustainable development and reflect on how to reenergize partnerships for saving the SDGs. This article aims to assess the COVID-19 pandemic impact on economic growth and sustainable development and offer recommendations on international cooperation and partnerships for saving the SDGs. It article reviews estimates of the triple crisis toll on the goals implementation. It then looks at the key international institutions’ initiatives to support developing countries in their response to the pandemic and associated economic shocks. The article concludes by outlining priorities for strengthening international cooperation on sustainable development which include incorporation of key components of digitalization into the SDGs as concrete targets and indicators and a comprehensive G20-led debt relief initiative providing for the released funds allocation to poverty and inequality eradication, health and education - related SDGs.