People and therefore populations are the centre of sustainable development and will be influential in the realisation of the 230 Agenda for Sustainable Development states The World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision.
Since 1951 the United Nations have produced in the region of 25 reports providing detailed demographic data and indicators which are used to assess population trends at global, regional and national levels. This data is used to inform global, regional and national level discussions and decision-making and the formation of several key indicators used by the United Nations. On 25 September 2015 the United Nations adopted the ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ which outlines “a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity”. 17 Goals and 169 targets under the umbrellas of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership were identified as key drivers for the following 15 years. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Targets were informed by this data.
Over recent months we have primarily focused on SDG 4, Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. So where is migration identified in the Sustainable Development Goals and targets?
7 SDGs specifically address migration. Goal 3, Strengthen and retain the health workforce in developing countries (3.2). Goal 4 Increase the number of scholarships for study abroad (4.b). Educational opportunities continue to be a driver behind reasons why individuals migrate to other areas and countries. Goal 5 Eradicated human trafficking (5.2, 8.6, 16.2). Goal 8 Protect labour rights of migrant workers (8.8). In a previous article we highlighted some of the challenges faced by migrant workers and the need for greater global collaboration. Goal 10, Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration (10.7), and reduce transaction costs of remittances (10.c). Goal16, establish legal identity, including through birth registration (16.9). The issue of statelessness for many in the process of migration and legal acceptance by their host country and those born during the process continues to be of huge concern impacting educational opportunities and stabilities for the young. Several Member States have still yet to sign up to the Conventions to protect and address statelessness. The final Goal is number 17, Disaggregate data by migratory status (17.8).
It is heartening to see so much focus on the protection and development of migrating peoples and the development of Africa at a global level.
I’ve heard it said that the power of a right solution is in its strategy for implementation, the power of a strategy is in its planning, the power of a plan is in its implementation, the power of implementation lies in the hands and minds of the implementers and the power of the implementers is in the end result which should be the removal of the problem. This requires a tireless collaborative effort at all levels of society.
Lesley Shepperson is Managing Director at Shepperson & Shepperson Consultants LTD. United Kingdom