The UN’s new goals for a more equal and sustainable world are designed to apply to all countries, rich or poor.
The sustainable development goals (SDGs), which include lofty targets such as eliminating extreme poverty and providing quality education for all, were adopted by world leaders in September.
Unlike the millennium development goals that came before them, the SDGs position wealthy countries as not just providers of aid, but sites of development themselves. In other words, rich countries have a role to play in mitigating climate change, achieving gender equality and addressing the other goals within their own borders and overseas. The goals are attempting to dismantle the north-south divide.
So, with a wider remit and a more ambitious agenda, can the SDGs succeed? We’d like to know your thoughts on the role wealthy countries should play in implementing the new goals.
Do you think high-income countries will take these goals on board? Or should the poorest countries be the sole priority? And if the 17 goals equally apply to high- and low-income countries, which of the goals should the wealthy countries prioritise? We’d like to hear examples of specific countries if you have them.
Submit a response of up to 250 words, answering the question: what role should wealthy countries play in delivering the SDGs?
Keep your submissions clear and concise, avoiding development or academic jargon.
Email your response to development@theguardian.com with “Students Speak” in the subject line. Please include your name, the country where you live, and the university or college you attend. Submissions close at 6pm BST on Friday 30 October.
