Gallagher Participates in Panel Exploring Implementation of SDGs
Kevin Gallagher, Professor of Global Development Policy at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University and Director of BU’s Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center), participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and their implementation given the setbacks caused by COVID-19. The event was organized as part of the IsDB’s Annual Meetings, taking place this year in Tashkent.
The event, titled “Is the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development in Jeopardy – Perspectives on Achieving the SDGs in the Context of COVID-19,” was moderated by Dr. Rami Ahmad, Special Envoy on SDGs at IsDB, and brought together global experts on the subject, including: Jana El Baba, Sustainable Development Officer at the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia; Dr. Obid Khakimov, Director of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms for the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Dr. Ir. Arifin Rudiyanto, Deputy Minister for Maritime and Natural Resources Affairs at Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) of Republic of Indonesia. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General at the UN, also provided a recorded message to participants and viewers on the importance of fulfilling SDGs to tackle global inequality and supporting the most vulnerable countries around the world.
Panelists addressed questions surrounding the SDGs and whether implementation of the goals can get back on track to meet the 2030 implementation deadline. In his remarks, Gallagher discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on SDG implementation as well as the need for renewed multilateralism and buy-in from advanced economies in emerging markets and developing countries. He also identified global actions to help realign the international community with the SDGs, while also promoting green and inclusive recoveries:
- Vaccinate the world against COVID-19.
- Accelerate liquidity provision for emerging markets around the world.
- Widen debt relief to include middle-income countries
- A massive capital increase of multilateral development banks (MDB) and public development banks (PDBs).
- Reform of global financial institutions to promote inclusivity among developing countries and increased participation from the private sector.
A recording of the event can be viewed below.
Kevin Gallagher is a professor of global development policy at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, where he directs the Global Development Policy Center. He is author or co-author of six books, including most recently, The China Triangle: Latin America’s China Boom and the Fate of the Washington Consensus. Read more about Professor Gallagher on his Pardee School faculty profile.