Our world today is facing huge challenges as it had never faced before, there is no doubt about that. Change and crises from all sectors are coming in at a dizzying rate, and it’s no different on the local front.
While there are groups and people who make implementing solutions more difficult, the good news is that there are always agencies, institutions, entities, individuals, nations and groups that never tire of working for solutions.
From the conscientious worker doing his job in the community to the worldwide agencies and coalitions working together to solve the world’s problems, steps are being taken every single day to build a sustainable future for the planet.
The World Economic Forum Sustainable Development Summit 2018 was held recently in New York to review steps being taken toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to discuss urgent actions necessary to save the planet and its people.
One of the significant measures presently being taken is the acceleration of action on climate change and sustainable development by 100 world-leading coalitions. There are partnerships focused on “closing the skills and gender gap, fighting disease, broadening the benefits of trade and protecting the planet’s dwindling biodiversity.”
The work does not stop there as governments and businesses are being tasked with specific roles. Governments have to make sure they are able to fulfill their commitments, and businesses are expected to provide the “know-how and the technologies to reach the objective in more efficient and innovative ways.”
However, it is not entirely up to governments and businesses alone. Each and everyone of us is expected to do our part in saving the environment. During the summit, this important point was raised by Vice President Al Gore, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Another set of heroes, as far as sustainable development is concerned, are the social entrepreneurs. Twelve honorees were cited during the summit, for their work on girls’ education, sexual violence, prison reform, financial inclusion, and disaster relief, among other issues.
“Hilde Schwab, chairman and cofounder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, said: “Social entrepreneurs leverage the power of market forces and business principles to solve social problems in ways that benefit the marginalized and the poor. Their work is often carried out in areas where the government and the private sector are unable to achieve meaningful outcomes and involves considerable creativity coupled with pragmatism.”
Finally, the summit participants also discussed the source of funding for the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. It was Christine Lagarde of the International Monetary Fund who said that 14 percent of the GDP is going to be needed in order to reach the goals. This might be a challenge, especially for emerging economies like the Philippines, but it is not impossible.
All this, by and large, is reason enough to keep hoping, and working, for a bright future for our children and their children. If we do the work today, they will benefit tomorrow.