The economist Jeffrey Sachs argues that specific and achievable goals help to develop more effective policy reforms. As an example, he quotes President John F. Kennedy who gave the commencement address at American University in 1963. In that speech, Kennedy said: “By defining our goal more clearly, by making it seem more manageable and less remote, we can help all people to see it, to draw hope from it and to move irresistibly towards it.” Kennedy meant the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty needed to have specific and achievable goals to be effective, and Sachs meant that the clarity of the Millennium Development Goals has helped achieve policy reform. How would you use the same idea of specific and achievable goals to think about changes in policy or society in relation to sustainability? Specifically,

QUESTION

Common Assessment: Please focus on the following points.

1. The essay questions require you to integrate information taken from several different (referenced) sources, to organize that information and to summarize the information, with conclusions that may be new to you.
2. Begin with a thesis statement, (or a claim) that you will explain and justify in your essay.  Support your ideas with a rationale and evidence (not just, “I think”), logically organized throughout the essay. Your ideas and the support should be clear to the reader.
3. Select relevant material to illustrate your points and provide specific references to class readings as well as additional research that you conduct via FDU library resources. Your essay must make substantive reference to at least three resources. Do not cite, quote or reference from Wikipedia or general non-verifiable sources.  References should follow the APA format.
4. Your essay should reflect proper grammar and syntax.

The economist Jeffrey Sachs argues that specific and achievable goals help to develop more effective policy reforms. As an example, he quotes President John F. Kennedy who gave the commencement address at American University in 1963. In that speech, Kennedy said: “By defining our goal more clearly, by making it seem more manageable and less remote, we can help all people to see it, to draw hope from it and to move irresistibly towards it.” Kennedy meant the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty needed to have specific and achievable goals to be effective, and Sachs meant that the clarity of the Millennium Development Goals has helped achieve policy reform. How would you use the same idea of specific and achievable goals to think about changes in policy or society in relation to sustainability? Specifically,

(i)                  Justify the relevance of Kennedy’s statement with respect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals with specific references to the role of governments and private corporations. DO NOT WRITE MORE THAN 2 SENTENCES ABOUT JFK’S STATEMENT.

(ii)                 Identify three of the SDGs that you consider important (as they relate to either your local community or to your core values). With the three selected SDGs, evaluate the interdependence of those goals while considering how the funding needs and action plans for the goals are interconnected. YOU MUST DISCUSS THE PLANS OR GOALS OF AT LEAST: 1 GOVERNMENT, 1 BUSINESS, AND 1 NGO.

            Parameters:  Each essay will be 3-4 pages, double spaced in font 11 with an additional page for references.

ANSWER

 The Power of Specific and Achievable Goals in Shaping Sustainable Policy and Society

Introduction

The concept of setting specific and achievable goals has been advocated by renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s famous statement. This essay explores the relevance of Kennedy’s statement in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their impact on policy changes. Furthermore, it identifies three SDGs of personal importance, analyzes their interdependence, and examines the interconnected funding needs and action plans involving a government, a business, and an NGO.

Justification of Kennedy’s Statement in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Kennedy’s statement resonates with the UN SDGs, as it emphasizes the importance of clearly defined goals to foster progress. In the context of sustainability, specific and achievable goals provide governments and private corporations with a roadmap for action, enabling them to communicate effectively, inspire hope, and mobilize resources (Sachs, 2015). Governments play a crucial role in aligning national policies and regulations with the SDGs, while private corporations contribute through sustainable business practices, innovation, and investments (UNDP, 2021).

 Evaluation of Three Selected SDGs and their Interdependence:

 Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy:

Goal 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The government can contribute by implementing policies that promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, while offering incentives for clean energy adoption (UN, 2021). A business could play a vital role by investing in renewable energy projects, developing sustainable energy solutions, and adopting energy-efficient practices. NGOs can support this goal through advocacy, community engagement, and promoting energy access in underserved areas.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities:

Goal 11 focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Governments can develop urban planning strategies that prioritize public transportation, green spaces, affordable housing, and sustainable infrastructure (UN, 2021). Businesses can contribute by implementing sustainable practices within their operations, such as reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly products. NGOs can collaborate with local communities, offering expertise and mobilizing resources to support sustainable urban development initiatives.

Goal 13: Climate Action:

Goal 13 aims to combat climate change and its impacts. Governments can take the lead by implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy transition, and investing in climate resilience measures (UN, 2021). Businesses can contribute by adopting sustainable production processes, reducing carbon footprints, and investing in green technologies. NGOs can raise awareness, support climate education, and advocate for policy changes at national and international levels.

 Interconnected Funding Needs and Action Plans:

Government: The government can allocate funding for renewable energy research and development, create incentives for businesses to invest in sustainable infrastructure, and provide grants to NGOs working on climate change mitigation and adaptation programs.

Business: Businesses can allocate resources for research and development of clean energy technologies, implement sustainable business practices, and invest in projects that promote sustainable cities and climate resilience.

NGO: NGOs can seek funding from government grants, corporate social responsibility programs, and public donations to implement community-led projects focused on clean energy access, sustainable urban development, and climate education.

Conclusion

The concept of setting specific and achievable goals, as advocated by Sachs and exemplified by Kennedy, holds great relevance in driving policy changes and shaping sustainable societies. The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for governments, private corporations, and NGOs to collaborate and address pressing global challenges. By recognizing the interdependence of goals and aligning funding needs and action plans, we can work collectively towards a more sustainable future.

References

Breuer, A., Janetschek, H., & Malerba, D. (2019). Translating sustainable development goal (SDG) interdependencies into policy advice. Sustainability, 11(7), 2092.https://www.mdpi.com/441954 

Crossette, B. (2005). Reproductive health and the millennium development goals: the missing link. Studies in Family Planning, 36(1), 71-79.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2005.00042.x 

Greene, E. F., McIlwain, K. L., & Scott, J. T. (2010). A closer look at ‘too big to fail’: national and international approaches to addressing the risks of large, interconnected financial institutions1. Capital Markets Law Journal, 5(2), 117-140.https://academic.oup.com/cmlj/article-abstract/5/2/117/320378