25 March 2024                                                        Workshop in Online format

Background

Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, numerous governments, UN entities, and stakeholders have dedicated substantial efforts to enhance the knowledge on the SDGs. Also, they have actively encouraged actions within the thematic areas outlined in the 17 goals and their associated 169 targets.

The findings of a survey conducted in 2023 suggest that these efforts are evidently impeded, highlighting a widespread deficiency in global awareness regarding the SDGs. Even in mostly developing countries where awareness is comparatively high, the awareness still hovers around or below the 60 percent mark. The situation is worse in the advanced Global North, where awareness is notable deficient. The Netherlands (25%) scored the lowest, following Canada (34%), UK (34%), France (37%), and the USA (39%).[1]

Furthermore, progress towards the attainment of several SDGs is notably inadequate, and in certain instances, regressive, as observed in 2023, marking the midway point towards the 2030 targets. Even Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern at the 2023 SDG Summit that only 15% of the targets were on track to be achieved by 2030.[2] This indicates that 45% of the targets are either stagnating or regressing, suggesting that we are significantly distant from meeting the 2030 SDGs.

In particular, as highlighted in the 2023 Global Sustainable Development Report, specific goals such as zero hunger (Goal 2), sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11), climate action (Goal 13), peace, justice, and strong institutions (Goal 16), and partnerships for the goals (Goal 17) are significantly distant from achieving their objectives. Additionally, objectives such as achieving food security (2.1.2), reducing global greenhouse gas emissions (13.2.2) and preventing extinction of species (15.5.1) are experiencing regression, further exacerbating the challenges faced.[3]

It is indeed true that various endeavors have been undertaken to address the challenges and foster effective implementation of the SDGs. These efforts include the annual convening of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, as well as the SDG Summit held every four years at the level of Heads of States and Government under the auspices of the General Assembly.[4] These forums collectively serve as the primary United Nations platforms for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the 2030 Agenda for the SDGs on a global scale.

Moreover, at both national and local levels, nations worldwide have engaged in comprehensive assessments of progress and obstacles in SDG implementation through Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs). These reviews aim to facilitate the exchange of experiences for the smooth implementation of the SDGs by the UN member countries, enhance the availability of evidence and data pertaining to the SDGs, bolster governmental policies and institutions for monitoring sustainable development progress, and catalyze multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for SDG implementation.[5]

However, given the remaining impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing global crises from protracted conflicts worldwide, and the increasing exacerbation of poverty due to climate change, the collective endeavor towards SDG implementation is continuously experiencing significant setbacks as we approach the year 2030. Against this backdrop, the Summit of the Future is scheduled to convene in September 2024, building upon the foundation laid by the 2023 SDG Summit, with the aim of establishing an “intergovernmentally negotiated, action-oriented Pact for the Future”[6] focused on sustainable development and financing for development. The Summit is expected to empower us to respond effectively to emerging threats and opportunities for both present and future generations, thereby accelerating progress in the implementation efforts that have stagnated.[7]

With an appreciation for the urgent imperative, UNITAR CIFAL Jeju is organizing a Workshop under the title of Insights into SDGs, Challenges of Implementation, and Tasks Ahead. The Workshop targets the global public in all sectors, with the primary goal of augmenting awareness regarding the implementation and achievement of the SDGs and encouraging to take future actions. This Workshop seeks to offer participants with backgrounds about the SDGs, explore the 17 goals and 169 targets, review the current SDGs implementation, analyze the challenges hindering goal attainment, and discuss strategies to facilitate the achievement of the 2030 goals.

Overview

Event Objectives

 This Workshop will:

●       Contribute to the heightened awareness of the global public regarding the SDGs and the imperative nature of their implementation in practical contexts,

●       Provide an opportunity to delve into essential knowledge about SDGs, thereby encouraging participants to take actions for the effective implementation of the SDGs within their respective sectors.

Learning Objectives

 After this event, participants will be able to:

●       Gain an understanding on the concepts of SDGs, encompassing their existing challenges and prospective developments in the future.

●       Conduct a comprehensive review of existing SDGs implementation plans and make necessary revisions to realign them with the intended trajectory.

Contents and Structure

Training is composed of following sessions:

[Session 1] (Introductory Session) Understanding the SDGs

-          Background of Adoption of SDGs

-          Comparison between SDGs and MDGs

-          Understanding 17 goals and 169 targets of the SDGs

[Session 2] Exploration of International Efforts towards the SDGs

-          High-Level Political Forum and SDG Summit

-          VNR and VLR

[Session 3] Evaluating the Current Implementation Status and Future Tasks for Enhancing SDGs Implementation

-          Analysis of the Lack of Progress

-          Way to attain the 2030 SDGs

**The sessions are subject to change **

Methodology

Training will be comprised of online lectures and presentations by experts.

Target Audience

This event is open to:

●       Representatives from diverse sectors who are actively involved in the implementation of the SDGs and seek to enhance their knowledge for effective integration into their professional practices,

●       Individuals with an interest in the SDGs and a desire to further their understanding of the SDGs knowledge.

Registration Deadline

This Workshop is offered online only. So, participants who want to attend this program are kindly requested to submit the registration form by 21 March 2024 through:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftVi7rIUzgL0rYGZ3dypzJVdh3XVHLZ95TX4H3_3-7nlrfog/viewform?usp=sf_link

*Kindly note that only selected applicants will be notified individually.

Organizer

UNITAR CIFAL Jeju / Jeju International Training Center http://cifaljeju.org/

Inquiries

Program1

*The above program is subject to change.