Daily Times

Countries across the world are being challenged in trying to fashion coherent national policies. Adoption of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda has ramped governments up with supplementary challenges, such as the incorporation of global development goals into national policies. Measuring, monitoring and communicating processes intensified the cohesive persona of these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the last decade, Pakistan has incorporated numerous development goals in its national development strategies and visions. However, these adopted agendas need implementation plans for worthy results.

The National Development Plan (NDP) of Pakistan is a long-term development program, to be implemented through five-year mid-term plans,dealing with societal challenges, national planning systems and the implementation of development policies in an effective way. However the real challenge for Pakistani policymakers is aligning our NDP with the SDGs. One possible way could be by providing Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD). Another possibility is the adoption of the Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development Movement(PCSDM), whose initial focus is on those nations who receive foreign aid. Previously, there was a misconception that those policies which worked for western developed nations could be replicated in developing countries- however in 2015 these policies were modified to suit each country’s specific needs.

Moreover identifying obstacles is critical to finding solutions. Pakistan is facing a number of challenges in aligning its national policy with SDGs. Firstly, the imposition of the global plan on top of alocal one is a major problem. As the plan was adopted before the 2030 Agenda, hence, its incorporation within the national plan needs extra attention, so that it won’t compromise the legitimacy of the local plan.  Secondly, localizing the Agenda 2030, poses key challenges in terms of identifying data gaps, policy coherence and SDG prioritization.Thirdly, the robust involvement of local governments is missing, due to a lack of data available to low tier administrative and governance systems.

If Pakistani policy makers use the PCSD properly, than unifying and incorporating the two plans will be a piece of cake. Furthermore a systematic application of the following steps can accelerate the alignment. However, first the Pakistani nation needs to be aligned in supporting the movement- without which political coherence is not conceivable. It would help Pakistan- if we could revive the political momentum it garnered, while involved in dialogue regarding the global adoption of the 2030 Agenda. As co-chair of the G77 and China, Pakistan played an important role in completing this agenda.

During the last decade, Pakistan has incorporated numerous development goals in its national development strategies and visions. However, these adopted agendas need implementation plans for worthy results

Secondly, the importance of national and subnational development priorities and challenges should be highlighted. For effective development, national and subnational ownership, down to the local level government, plays a key role. The twelfth, five year plan, which is in progress, shall take an account of the SDGs priorities and must serve as a guiding document towards the country’s march for achieving SDGs. Inter-provincial and inter-sector collaboration should be given a priority.

Thirdly, efficient and effective use of prevailing institutional structures and processes is very critical in this regard. While restructuring is required, waiting on the new structure to bear fruits, is not a smart step. Bringing substantial changes in the existing system with the coordination of multiple state actors and other stakeholders can be good beginning.

Moreover a problem focused approach is critical for practicing policy coherence. It gives recommendations for the creation of cooperative environments between ministries and sectors. The characteristic feature of sustainable development lies in the interconnectivity of its development priorities which helps shape the (NDP). However, the use of a thematic approach does not help if the existing structures and processes are not used optimally.

Also encouraging governments to opt for long-term plans instead of short-term is crucial for policy coherence. This step guides policy makers to look for long-term national and subnational policies beneficial for future generations. Despite having difficulty in designing such policies, the policy makers should strive for it. Furthermore, formation of clear mechanized channels for implementation and accountability at national and sub-national levels is critical. The government should set touchstones along the road towards these goals and develop open mechanisms for accountability. National and sub-national authorities along with civil services should share data and contribute to monitoring and demonstrate leadership and display willingness to participate fully and actively in agreed global and regional follow ups and review processes.

The government must also streamline its development finances with the implementation of SDGs. Global 2030 agenda demands a huge funding of around$6 trillion annually and $30 trillion through 2030. At the same time developing countries face financial constraints. This requires an alignment of fiscal planning with SDGs. Multiple steps can be taken in this regard. For example, Aligning PC1 with SDGs can ensure effective use of financial resources towards achieving global agendas.

Although it seems easy to write such proposals, one must remember that following the SDGs is by nature a dynamic process. No magic bullet point can be suggested as the priority SDG through which things will immediately change. Moreover available resources, implementation mechanisms vary across regions and over time. However it is central for the development flow that policy coherence remains active, so the world can achieve the goals it has set for itself.

The author is researcher at Sustainable Development Policy Institute [SDPI]. She tweets @ifra_baig1

Published in Daily Times, August 18^th 2018.