Social Infrastructure SDGs II

Wendy Whewell

22 years: ESG & Climate Change

In this video, Wendy explores four key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 9 for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 for Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 for Partnerships for the Goals. Join us as we delve into these essential SDGs and their ongoing efforts to shape a more sustainable future for our world.

Regulation and Initiatives

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Social Infrastructure SDGs II

23 mins 20 secs

Key learning objectives:

Understand the aim of SDG 9 and what progress has been made
Understand the aim of SDG 11 and what progress has been made
Understand the aim of SDG 12 and what progress has been made
Understand the aim of SDG 17 and what progress has been made

Overview:

The UN SDGs aimed at improving social infrastructure include SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and finally, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Here, the last four are covered. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure seek to build resilient infrastructure, foster innovation, and promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production advocates for sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources while reducing waste. Finally, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals underlines the need for global partnerships, collaboration, and resource-sharing to achieve all the SDGs effectively.

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Summary

What is the aim of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and are we on track?

SDG 9 aspires to construct resilient infrastructure, bolster sustainable industrialisation, and foster innovation. This goal recognises that economic growth, climate action, and social development hinge on investment, enabling advancements in technology, efficient resource utilisation, and robust trade.

Recently, progress has been uneven, heavily impacted by the pandemic. While manufacturing declined in 2020, it surged in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, albeit variably across countries and sectors. The target of universal access to information and communications technology by 2020 was missed, underscoring a persistent connectivity gap between developed and developing nations. Hence, while strides have been made, considerable challenges remain.

What is the aim of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and are we on track?

SDG 11 seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, addressing urban challenges like overcrowded slums, worsening air pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The 10 targets encompass affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, reduced environmental impact, and more.

Progress has been inconsistent. There's been progress on the housing front, but with continued urban growth, slum proliferation remains an issue, necessitating investment in affordable housing. Public transport systems, crucial for mobility, congestion reduction, and pollution control, cover only 37% of urban areas. Open public spaces, vital for socio-economic development, are also limited. Therefore, much work remains towards achieving these goals.

What is the aim of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and are we on track?

SDG 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, focusing on reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. The goal consists of 11 targets, including halving global per capita food waste by 2030, managing chemicals and waste responsibly, and encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Progress has been mixed, with increases in material consumption and challenges in food waste and electronic waste disposal. However, improved sustainability reporting is promising, with more businesses, such as NIKE, setting and achieving sustainability targets. Thus, while advancements have been made, much work remains to fully achieve this goal.

What is the aim of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and are we on track?

The aim of SDG 17 is to establish global collaboration at all levels, local, regional, national, and international, for sustainable development. Its broad set of 19 targets covers areas from enhancing domestic revenue collection to promoting a universal trading system.

Progress on these targets has been mixed. For example, development assistance flows saw an uptick of 3.3% in 2021 compared to 2020, but it still falls short of the targeted 0.7% of donor Gross National Income. Furthermore, global foreign direct investment, essential for developing countries, rose significantly by 64% in 2021, reaching $1.58 trillion. However, trade of environmentally sound technologies, only increased by 5% from 2015-2020, and was less than anticipated due to the pandemic's impact. Institutions like Impact17 are contributing towards this goal by promoting partnerships across different sectors. Continued efforts and enhanced cooperation are necessary to fully realise the aspirations of SDG 17.

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Wendy Whewell

Wendy Whewell is the head of ESG and climate change for corporate and commercial banking at Santander. She has spent her career in corporate relationship banking and is now involved in delivering Santander's ambition to be a leader in supporting businesses, individuals, and communities to navigate the journey of mitigating the risks of climate change and achieving net zero in a responsible and sustainable manner. She has also undertaken additional projects such as improving education, career advice, providing support to disadvantaged young people, and sustainability. When she is not working, she likes to undertake wildlife photography, which has taken her around the world to witness the impact of climate change on our planet and all who inhabit it.

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