50 years of SDGs --- I would argue that what was framed in 1972 as environmental protection issue has evolved beyond social and economic development to encompass intergenerational and social justice, poverty and hunger eradication, protection of human rights, gender equality, etc. It is not the same world as 50 years ago and the goals have developed as well.

With regards to formulating and implementing - formulating the goals themselves and countries approving them has a great value in moving in the right direction. Based on these commitments, other parts of the puzzle start to emerge - such as financing structure for SDGs (through IMF or private sources), NDCs, etc which lead to implementation. The examples are recent commitments to combating climate change, or the efforts with vaccination distribution. Of course the efforts and the implementation are lacking, it has been recognized throughout, but what would be a good alternative?

Source author: Pavlina Ittelson pavlinai@diplomacy.edu