Agenda 2030: Co-operatives Contributions to the UN SDGs

By June Njoroge

The 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, was recently concluded in the last half of September; the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was a key area of focus.

In light of this, its imperative to take stock of the contributions made by Co-operatives; who were identified as key partners, in the implementation and acceleration of the Agenda 2030, for Sustainable Development. The Agenda was adopted by United Nations Member States and World Leaders in 2015; it sets out the roadmap or blueprint, for a future of shared prosperity and environmental sustainability.

It stipulates 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action, by all countries; both developed and developing, in a unified global partnership. The goals are targeted towards poverty eradication, improving health and education; reducing inequality and spurring economic growth, whilst tackling climate change with the ultimate goal of preserving the planet.

SDGs, aim to take the work begun in the year 2000, by the Millennium Development Goals and transform the world, through sustainable development, with the aforementioned 17 internationally agreed targets. In his inaugural speech, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, called for an urgent and transformative change, to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.He noted that Covid-19 had presented a drawback on the progress SDGs but was slowly recovering.

The Co-operative enterprise model, has much in common with the 2030 Agenda. Synergies between Co-operatives and the 2030 Agenda, have been identified and leveraged effectively.

In reiteration, by virtue of these acknowledged synergies, between the UN’s vision for a sustainable future and that of the Co-operative movement, its pretty succinct, that Co-operatives are key contributors to the achievement of the Agenda.

The Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Co-operatives(COPAC), has been carefully examining the contributions by Co-operatives, to the different SDGs and producing a series called ‘Transforming our world: A Co-operative 2030; of how Co-operatives, are directly contributing to every particular SDG.The Covid -19 Pandemic, has clearly demonstrated the resilience of the Co-operative model, arising as a critical actor of change, with Co-operatives, having aligned their work with the SDGs and established targets and indicators, to track achievements.

COPAC hopes to raise awareness, about the significant contributions, of Co-operative enterprises, towards achieving the 2030 agenda, in a sustainable, inclusive and responsible way; encouraging continued support for their efforts.

Currently, Co-operatives, are in Phase two of implementing the Blueprint for a ‘Co-operative Decade,’ a global strategy, for the Co-operative business model, to be the acknowledged leader in economic, social and environmental sustainability, model preferred by people and the fastest growing form of enterprise.

The International Co-operative Alliance, as the global voice of the movement, is committed to educating Co-operatives about SDGs, helping co-operatives, respond to the UN’s call to action.

The ICA President, Ariel Guarco, notes that “Cooperatives are making differential contributions, to the sustainable development agenda; chiefly because Co-operative values and principles are aligned to the global goals,” Saccos are key partners in the advancement of SDGs and the model of business, is based on ethics, values and principles, that put the needs and aspirations of members, above the simple goal of making profit.

The Co-operative principles and values, which constitute of the co-operative identity; are guided by solidarity and common values, that enable them to address global problems, by offering local solutions.

Co-operatives nurture long-term vision for sustainable economic growth, social development and environmental responsibility; through self-help and empowerment, reinvesting in their communities and concern for the well-being of people and the world. Co-ops for 2030 is a campaign for Cooperatives, to learn more about the SDGs and report their progress.

The agenda, explicitly recognizes Co-operatives, as important players, within the private sector to achieve the SDGs, creating an opportunity for them, to position themselves as partners, with local, national, regional and local institutions, to achieve sustainable development.

For instance, in line with SDG 8, on decent work and economic growth, Co- operatives have a proven track record, of directly and indirectly, providing stable employment and significantly contributing to the economy, making up about 45% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Program (GDP).

In addition, in line with SDG 17, on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals, one of the co-operative principles is ‘Co-operation among Co-operatives,’ making them aware of the importance of an effective international and multilateral cooperation. Again, Co-operatives, as member-owned, people-centered and value based enterprises, are well placed to be vehicles, for promoting equality and inclusive economic development; which is in line with SDG 10.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, recognizes the contributions of Co-operatives and calls on them, to continue working together, with the international community, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world:

GOAL 1: No Poverty. End poverty in all its forms everywhere. GOAL 2: Zero Hunger. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being. Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. GOAL 4: Quality Education. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. GOAL 5: Gender Equality. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality. Reduce inequality within and among countries. GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. GOAL 13: Climate Action. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (taking note of agreements made by the UNFCCC forum). GOAL 14: Life Below Water. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. GOAL 15: Life on Land. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss. GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal. Strengthen the means of implementatio and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.