Sustainable Development Goal 9

 Sustainable Development Goal 9


Sustainable Development Goal 9: How to Achieve It by 2030

Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) is one of the 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. These three aspects are essential for achieving economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

Infrastructure is the backbone of any society, providing the basic physical systems and structures that enable people to access essential services, such as water, energy, transport, health and education. Infrastructure also supports trade, communication and connectivity, which are vital for economic development and integration. However, many countries still face significant challenges in providing adequate and quality infrastructure for their populations, especially in rural and remote areas. According to the UN, about one billion people live more than two kilometers from an all-season road, and only 45 per cent of people in Africa have access to electricity.

Industrialization is a key driver of economic transformation, creating jobs, income and wealth. Industrialization also stimulates innovation, which is crucial for finding solutions to global challenges, such as climate change, poverty and health. However, industrialization also poses environmental and social risks, such as pollution, resource depletion and inequality. Therefore, it is important to promote sustainable industrialization that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes positive outcomes for people and the planet. According to the UN, manufacturing value added as a share of GDP increased from 15.3 per cent in 2005 to 16.2 per cent in 2019 globally, but it remains low in least developed countries (10.5 per cent) and sub-Saharan Africa (11.1 per cent).

Innovation is the process of creating new or improved products, processes or services that meet the needs and expectations of customers, users or society at large. Innovation can enhance productivity, competitiveness and quality of life. Innovation can also contribute to solving global problems, such as hunger, disease and environmental degradation. However, innovation requires investment in research and development (R&D), human capital and infrastructure, which are often lacking in developing countries. According to the UN, global R&D spending as a share of GDP increased from 1.5 per cent in 2000 to 1.7 per cent in 2017, but it remains low in Africa (0.4 per cent) and Oceania (0.3 per cent).

To achieve SDG 9 by 2030, it is necessary to mobilize financial resources, enhance international cooperation and partnerships, strengthen national capacities and policies, and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Some of the targets and indicators for SDG 9 include:

- Developing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure
- Promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization
- Increasing access to financial services and markets for small-scale enterprises
- Enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities
- Increasing access to information and communication technologies
- Supporting domestic technology development and innovation
- Facilitating sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries
- Enhancing international support for industrial diversification and value addition
- Increasing access to clean technologies and industrial processes

SDG 9 is closely linked to other SDGs, such as SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). Achieving SDG 9 will require a holistic and integrated approach that balances economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

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