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What is next for the sustainable development goals, what are the challenges concerning SDG 10—reduced inequalities?
Sustainable Earth Reviews volume 7, Article number: 23 (2024)
Abstract
Examining the future trajectory of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals that challenges persist in achieving their targets. While each SDG embodies unique aspirations, overarching challenges permeate its implementation. This paper, with its primary goal to raise awareness about the challenges of SDG 10, directs attention to the challenges surrounding SDG 10, focusing on reducing inequality within and among countries. Through a concise exploration, it identifies five major obstacles impeding progress toward this goal. Firstly, economic inequality poses a significant barrier, with disparities in income and wealth acting as major hindrances to achieving equality. Secondly, social exclusion exacerbates these inequalities, with marginalized groups such as minorities, women, and people with disabilities facing significant barriers to accessing resources and opportunities. Thirdly, political barriers, including a lack of political will and ineffective governance systems, are impeding efforts to address inequality and promote inclusive policies. The fourth challenge is unequal education and healthcare access, perpetuating social and economic disparities. Finally, global economic interdependence, driven by globalization, is exacerbating inequalities between countries, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology access. By delineating these challenges within SDG 10, this paper aims to underscore the multifaceted nature of inequality and the imperative for targeted interventions to advance sustainable development. It’s important to note that addressing these challenges is not a task for one entity, but requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It necessitates innovative strategies and, most importantly, collaborative partnerships to foster a more equitable and inclusive world. Your involvement, as a key stakeholder, is crucial in this endeavor.
Introduction
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. These 17 goals succeeded in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and addressed broader social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues. The SDGs were not designed for a select few but with the principle of universality in mind, meaning they apply to all countries regardless of their level of development. This recognition underscores that sustainable development is not a local issue but a global challenge that requires collective action. You are part of this global movement.
The development of the SDGs was informed by extensive consultations and negotiations among member states, stakeholders, and civil society, emphasizing inclusivity and global partnership. Specific targets and indicators accompany each goal to facilitate monitoring and ensure measurable progress. This framework for tracking progress is crucial for accountability and identifying areas where additional efforts are needed.
The need for robust monitoring mechanisms was highlighted to track the implementation and effectiveness of the goals, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement. By setting clear targets and indicators, the SDGs aim to provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life globally.
A vast body of literature, research reports, and books about the SDGs provide extensive insights and analyses. However, achieving the SDGs has proven challenging, and significant efforts are still required to meet the targets. Despite progress in some areas, numerous obstacles persist, underscoring the need for continued and intensified efforts to realize these ambitious goals.
Challenges and opportunities emerge as the world progresses toward the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs. One key challenge is the uneven progress across different goals and regions. At the same time, some targets have seen significant advancements, while others lag, indicating the need for intensified efforts and tailored approaches. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and disrupted efforts toward achieving the SDGs, particularly in areas such as poverty eradication, education, healthcare, and economic growth [4, 6, 13].
Another challenge is the financing gap. Despite commitments from governments, international organizations, and the private sector, more funding is needed to meet the ambitious targets set by the SDGs. It is crucial to mobilize additional resources and ensure their effective allocation towards sustainable development initiatives.
Addressing climate change and environmental degradation is paramount. Climate-related events like extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels threaten global development. Mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable consumption and production, and protecting biodiversity are integral to achieving the SDGs.
Promoting inclusive and participatory governance is essential for sustainable development. Upholding human rights, tackling corruption, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the meaningful participation of all stakeholders are critical for fostering an enabling environment for sustainable development.
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for accelerating progress towards the SDGs. Technology, innovation, and data analytics advancements can enhance monitoring, evaluation, and implementation efforts. Additionally, fostering partnerships and collaboration among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector can leverage resources, expertise, and networks to drive sustainable development initiatives forward. Embracing a holistic and integrated approach to development that considers social, economic, and environmental dimensions is essential for realizing the vision of the SDGs and leaving no one behind.
SDG 10—reduce inequality
SDG 10, which aims to reduce global inequality, faces numerous obstacles, encompassing economic, social, political, and global interdependency challenges. The following are some of them.
Economic inequality
Disparities in income and wealth distribution hinder progress toward reducing overall inequality. Economic inequality is a formidable barrier to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. This challenge manifests in several ways, primarily through stark income and wealth distribution disparities.
Firstly, economic inequality perpetuates a cycle of poverty, limiting access to necessities such as education, healthcare, and adequate nutrition. Individuals and communities trapped in poverty struggle to break free from this cycle due to insufficient resources and opportunities. As a result, the gap between the affluent and the impoverished widens, hindering efforts to uplift marginalized populations and reduce overall inequality [2, 10, 14, 18].
Economic inequality often correlates with social disparities, exacerbating issues of discrimination and exclusion. Marginalized groups, including minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities, face systemic barriers that impede their access to economic opportunities and social mobility. Discriminatory practices in employment, education, and access to financial services further entrench inequality, perpetuating social divisions and hindering inclusive development.
Economic inequality undermines social cohesion and stability within societies. Widening income gaps can lead to heightened social tensions, resentment, and distrust among socioeconomic groups. Such divisions can fuel social unrest, political instability, and conflict, posing significant challenges to achieving sustainable development and peace [3, 4, 15].
Addressing economic inequality requires comprehensive strategies prioritizing equitable resource distribution, inclusive economic growth, and social protection measures. Policymakers must implement progressive taxation systems, ensure fair wages and labor rights, and invest in education, healthcare, and social services to create opportunities for all individuals to thrive. By addressing economic inequality as a fundamental barrier to sustainable development, progress towards SDG 10 can be advanced, fostering a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Social exclusion
Marginalized groups such as minorities, women, and people with disabilities face barriers to accessing resources and opportunities. Social exclusion poses a significant challenge to achieving SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. This challenge stems from systemic barriers that marginalize certain groups, including minorities, women, and people with disabilities, limiting their access to resources and opportunities [7, 12, 19].
Marginalized groups often face discrimination and prejudice based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability status. These forms of discrimination create barriers restricting their participation in social, economic, and political spheres. Discriminatory practices in employment, education, housing, and healthcare further exacerbate social exclusion, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and inequality.
One of the critical manifestations of social exclusion is unequal access to opportunities for education and skill development. Marginalized groups may encounter barriers such as lack of access to quality education, limited vocational training opportunities, or discriminatory practices within educational institutions. As a result, they often need help to acquire the necessary skills and qualifications to fully participate in the labor market, perpetuating economic inequality and limiting their socioeconomic mobility.
Social exclusion can lead to disparities in access to healthcare and social services. Marginalized groups may face barriers such as geographic isolation, language barriers, or discrimination within healthcare systems, preventing them from accessing essential healthcare services and support networks. This can exacerbate health inequalities and contribute to higher rates of morbidity and mortality among marginalized populations.
Addressing social exclusion requires targeted interventions that dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusivity and social cohesion. Policies and programs combating discrimination, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals are essential. Empowering marginalized groups through education, skills training, and economic empowerment initiatives can enhance their social and economic participation, fostering greater equality and social cohesion within societies [7, 12, 19]. Addressing social exclusion as a fundamental barrier to sustainable development, progress towards SDG 10 can advance, creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
Political barriers
Lack of political will and ineffective governance systems impede efforts to address inequality and promote inclusive policies. Political barriers present a significant challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. These barriers stem from a lack of political will and ineffective governance systems, which hinder efforts to address inequality and promote inclusive policies.
One essential manifestation of political barriers is the reluctance or resistance of political leaders and decision-makers to prioritize inequality reduction in their agendas. Addressing inequality often requires unpopular policy decisions, resource redistribution, or challenging entrenched power structures. However, political leaders may prioritize short-term gains or cater to powerful elites’ interests, neglecting marginalized populations’ needs and perpetuating existing inequalities [5, 16, 20].
Ineffective governance systems can exacerbate political barriers by hindering the implementation of inclusive policies and programs. Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and lack of transparency within government institutions can undermine efforts to allocate resources equitably and address the root causes of inequality. Weak rule of law and inadequate protection of human rights may also contribute to political barriers, limiting the ability of marginalized groups to advocate for their rights and hold decision-makers accountable.
Political polarization and partisan gridlock can impede progress toward addressing inequality. Divisive political rhetoric, ideological differences, and power struggles between different political factions may result in policy paralysis or obstruction, preventing consensus on effective strategies for reducing inequality and promoting social cohesion.
Addressing political barriers requires concerted efforts to strengthen political commitment to SDG 10 and promote good governance practices. This entails fostering inclusive decision-making processes, enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms, and combating corruption within government institutions. Building coalitions and partnerships across political divides, civil society organizations, and the private sector can also help mobilize support for inequality reduction initiatives and overcome political resistance [5, 16, 20]. By addressing political barriers as a fundamental obstacle to sustainable development, progress towards SDG 10 can be advanced, fostering greater equality and social inclusion within societies.
Unequal access to education and healthcare
Disparities in access to quality education and healthcare perpetuate social and economic inequalities. Unequal access to education and healthcare presents a significant challenge to achieving SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. Disparities perpetuate social and economic inequalities, creating barriers to upward mobility and hindering inclusive development [1, 17, 21].
Education is widely recognized as a critical driver of social and economic progress. However, millions of children and adults around the world still lack access to quality education due to various barriers such as poverty, discrimination, conflict, and inadequate infrastructure. Marginalized groups, including girls, children from rural areas, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by these barriers, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage and inequality.
Unequal access to healthcare contributes to widening disparities in health outcomes and exacerbates socioeconomic inequalities. Marginalized populations often face barriers such as limited availability of healthcare facilities, inadequate infrastructure, shortages of healthcare professionals, and financial constraints. These barriers prevent individuals from accessing essential healthcare services, including preventive care, maternal and child health services, and treatment for infectious diseases and chronic conditions.
Disparities in access to education and healthcare are closely intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Limited access to education can hinder individuals’ ability to make informed health decisions, exacerbate health disparities, and perpetuate cycles of poverty and ill health. Conversely, poor health can impede children’s ability to attend school regularly, leading to lower educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities in adulthood.
Addressing unequal access to education and healthcare requires comprehensive strategies prioritizing equitable resource distribution, removing access barriers, and promoting inclusive policies. Investments in education and healthcare infrastructure, teacher training, and strengthening health systems are essential to ensure universal access to quality education and healthcare services [1, 17, 21]. Additionally, targeted interventions to reach marginalized populations, such as scholarships, school feeding programs, and community-based healthcare initiatives, can help reduce disparities and promote social inclusion. Addressing unequal access to education and healthcare as fundamental barriers to sustainable development, progress towards SDG 10 can be advanced, fostering greater equality and social cohesion within societies.
Global economic interdependence
Globalization can exacerbate inequalities between countries, especially in trade, finance, and technology access, affecting progress toward SDG 10. Global economic interdependence poses a significant challenge to achieving SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. Globalization, characterized by increased interconnectedness and integration of economies, can exacerbate disparities between countries, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology access, thereby impacting progress toward SDG 10 [8, 9, 11].
One way globalization contributes to inequality is through unequal participation in global trade. While some countries benefit from increased access to global markets, others, particularly developing nations, may face barriers such as tariffs, trade imbalances, and unequal terms of trade. As a result, less developed countries may need help to compete in global markets and experience limited economic growth, exacerbating disparities in income and wealth between nations.
Global financial systems can perpetuate inequalities by favoring wealthy individuals, corporations, and countries. Access to capital, credit, and investment opportunities may be limited for developing nations or marginalized communities within countries, hindering their ability to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. Moreover, financial crises and volatility in global markets can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating economic inequalities and undermining progress towards SDG 10.
Disparities in access to technology and digital resources contribute to global economic inequalities. While advancements in technology have the potential to foster innovation, improve productivity, and enhance economic opportunities, unequal access to technology, digital infrastructure, and internet connectivity can widen the digital divide between countries and within societies. This digital divide can further marginalize disadvantaged populations, limiting their access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.
Addressing global economic interdependence and its impact on inequality requires coordinated international efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development. This includes advocating for fair trade policies, debt relief, and financial assistance to support economic development in less developed countries. Moreover, investments in digital infrastructure, technology transfer, and digital literacy programs can help bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to opportunities worldwide [8, 9, 11]. By addressing global economic inequalities as a fundamental barrier to sustainable development, progress towards SDG 10 can be advanced, fostering greater equality and prosperity for all nations and individuals.
Conclusion
In this brief opinion paper, my focus is elucidating the primary hurdles obstructing the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mainly through the lens of SDG 10. By identifying and dissecting five pivotal challenges—economic inequality, social exclusion, political barriers, unequal access to education and healthcare, and global economic interdependence—this paper underscores the multifaceted nature of the task. These interconnected challenges encapsulate the complexities of fostering a more equitable and inclusive global society.
As we navigate the path toward sustainable development, it becomes evident that addressing these challenges requires acknowledging their existence and implementing targeted interventions and collaborative efforts. From policy reforms to grassroots initiatives and institutional changes to international cooperation, a comprehensive approach is imperative to surmounting these obstacles.
Ultimately, this examination serves as a clarion call to action, urging stakeholders at all levels to redouble their commitment to advancing SDG 10 and, by extension, the broader agenda of sustainable development. By confronting these challenges head-on, we can pave the way for a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all, leaving no one behind in our pursuit of a sustainable world.
Data availability
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
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Bhandari, M.P. What is next for the sustainable development goals, what are the challenges concerning SDG 10—reduced inequalities?. Sustain Earth Reviews 7, 23 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-024-00093-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-024-00093-8