Achieving Sustainable Development through a Cohesive Response

In 2016, Dr Ash Pachauri founded the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement alongside Dr R K Pachauri. With a key focus on climate action and sustainable development, the POP Movement mobilizes and mentors young people around the world, inspiring them with knowledge to undertake projects and implement actions in their schools, colleges, communities, and homes. In this interview, Dr Ash Pachauri reflects on the foundational idea behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the need to move away from silo-ed approaches towards collaborative and coordinated action, especially with the active leadership of business and industry among other stakeholders, promoting community engagement, and the unique opportunity for India to represent the Global South in the G20.

- Dr Ash Pachauri

What to you is ‘mainstreaming sustainable development’?

It was the unique vision, experience, and wisdom of the great leader, H.E. SG Ban Ki-moon which inspired the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fundamental goal behind the SDGs is the need to further mainstream sustainable development at all levels, integrating economic, social, and environmental aspects and recognizing their interlinkages, so as to achieve sustainable development in all its dimensions.

As the first step towards achieving the mainstreaming of the SDGs, I believe that we need to create awareness about sustainable development and build a foundation for deeper understanding and informed action. The 2030 agenda for mainstreaming the SDGs demands reaffirmed commitment led by communities, globally.

Achieving the SDGs requires mainstream planning and action as a necessary prerequisite to a sustainable future for all. We have less than a decade to achieve the SDGs. Yet we do have the wherewithal and capacity to achieve what we have set out to achieve on a sustainable pathway. It will take urgent, collaborative action of all stakeholders. This, I believe, was the vision SG Ban Ki-moon had at the time he envisioned the SDGs. While achieving the SDGs will be the greatest tribute to H.E. SG Ban Ki-moon, what is important to remember is that it is our success in their attainment that is essential to keep the legacy of humanity alive.

According to you, what is the role of mainstreaming sustainable development in promoting collective action?

As described above, by mere definition, I believe mainstreaming signifies moving away from the silo-ed approach to coming together, taking action collectively, joining the dots for a common agenda.