"Achim Steiner dismisses the notion that development is ineffective"
In a poignant speech at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, Achim Steiner, United Nations veteran and outgoing chief of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), expressed concern over the current state of the international community [1]. Steiner highlighted a dangerous gridlock in democratic erosion, rising polarization, and stalled progress in delivering global promises like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Steiner emphasized that multilateralism risks becoming distant and technocratic, vulnerable to public backlash and difficult to sustain without restoring trust in democracy and institutions [1]. He underscored that losing public trust in institutions undermines reforms and collective solutions, weakening the political capital necessary for progress.
Parliaments, Steiner believes, play a pivotal role by translating global goals into national action, thereby reinforcing democratic legitimacy and strengthening multilateral cooperation. However, current trends show only about 35% of SDG targets have adequate progress while others regress [1].
Steiner also drew attention to new challenges posed by technologies like artificial intelligence, which—without public oversight and clear governance—risk increasing inequality and weakening essential services, further complicating effective multilateral responses [1].
To overcome these compounded challenges, Steiner emphasized the need to rebuild trust in multilateral institutions and strengthen democratic governance mechanisms, especially through inclusive parliamentary engagement, to make multilateralism effective and sustainable in addressing global crises [1][2][3][4].
Another major initiative launched at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference was SCALED, a blended finance platform for sustainable development. The challenge in determining the bankability of a project often lies more in the policy and fiscal conditions or economic distortions than the technology [5]. The focus of SCALED is to mobilize private capital for sustainable development projects in emerging markets and developing economies [6].
Steiner's concern about the retreat from investing in international architecture was also evident. He noted that this perception that multilateralism is not working is a significant obstacle to progress [7].
In the realm of renewable energy, last year saw $2 trillion invested in renewables out of $3 trillion invested in global energy investment [8]. Kenya's electric scooter industry has recently gained significant market share, with battery swapping infrastructure being built and the country attracting renewable energy investments, demonstrating the impact of targeted policies on sustainable growth [9].
However, the electric motorcycle has not taken off in Africa due to heavily subsidized petrol, unlike in China [10]. This underscores the importance of tailoring policies to local conditions to foster sustainable growth.
Steiner's final act as chief of the UNDP was to leave the organization future-smart, future-ready, and prepared to weather difficult times. Under-Secretary-General Haoliang Xu of China has been appointed as acting administrator of UNDP [11].
Steiner's speech at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference serves as a call to action for the international community, urging them to address the current gridlock and rebuild trust in multilateral institutions to effectively tackle global crises.
- Steiner's concern at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference extended to the retreat from investing in carbon-reducing technologies, viewing it as a significant obstacle to progress in the fight against climate change.
- In Steiner's vision, corporate responsibility in the renewable energy sector should extend to promoting clean energy policies that consider environmental-science and sustainability, contributing to the achievement of SDGs related to climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection.
- To solidify trust in multilateral institutions and facilitate the energy transition, educational programs focusing on science, technology, and education-and-self-development are crucial to encourage the next generations to take up roles in clean energy sectors and contribute to the global struggle against climate change and environmental degradation.
- Progress in the energy transition depends on the effective implementation of renewable energy policies informed by rigorous scientific research and technical knowledge.
- The implementation of democratic governance mechanisms is essential to address gaps in the understanding and appropriation of climate finance, facilitating the successful operation of initiatives like SCALED and ensuring the flow of investments into renewable energy projects.
- Failure to effectively address climate change and biodiversity loss could lead to the further loss of valuable ecosystems and species, affecting the delicate balance of our planet's biodiversity that sustains human life and economic well-being.
- In light of the deteriorating state of democracy and multilateral cooperation, there needs to be a renewed emphasis on promoting science-based policies and fostering a cooperative spirit among nations, as only by working together can we tackle the challenges posed by climate change, achieve sustainable development, and ensure a prosperous future for all.
