What are presidential aspirants’ sustainable development goals?

The series of “presidential interviews” on TV, radio, and social media lacks serious discussions on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. The term of the next administration, 2022-2028, is critical to the achievement of the goals by 2030, the year the UN General Assembly has targeted when it launched the SDGs in 2015.

According to the UN, the SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

Actually, the Philippines through the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) has integrated the SDGs in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. The attainment of the SDGs supposedly in 2030 should pave the way for the achievement of AmBisyon Natin 2040 per Neda. Ironically, there is no legitimate administration presidential candidate so this Neda plan will never be raised in the campaign.

The candidates have to promote most of the 17 goals or even half. Vice President Leni Robredo is pushing for women’s empowerment, obviously; while Manila Mayor Isko Moreno earlier announced to create more open and green spaces in Manila. The others are silent. Maybe their campaigns do not see the SDGs as essential in the future of the country.

This is to challenge the media, the Inquirer, and other groups which will organize debates to choose several SDGs as talking points for the candidates. The more goals the candidates promote the better for the Philippines in terms of compelling the government, private sector, and civil society to take action.

ART “POPOY” LOS BAÑOS
Dubai, UAE