The added value of partnerships in implementing the UN sustainable development goals

Leal, W ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1241-5225, Dibbern, T ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4826-4614, Pimenta Dinis, MA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2198-6740, Coggo Cristofoletti, E ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5178-6451, Mbah, MF ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4199-0819, Mishra, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4510-7990, Clarke, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0166-3204, Samuel, N ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8261-0637, Castillo Apraiz, J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8362-4163, Rimi Abubakar, I ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-2302 and Aina, YA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0763-9865 (2024) The added value of partnerships in implementing the UN sustainable development goals. Journal of Cleaner Production, 438. 140794. ISSN 0959-6526

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Abstract

Partnerships have become a key tool in the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships can scale up the impact of initiatives by leveraging the strengths and reach of each involved partner. This allows for the replication and expansion of successful projects and programs. In the context of the UN SDGs, partnerships can play a key role in their effective implementation, due to their ability to bring together a variety of stakeholders from different sectors and with different levels of expertise and experience. By leveraging the skills, resources, and capacities of different stakeholders, partnerships can contribute to creating synergies that are essential for the successful implementation of the SDGs. Despite the role of partnerships and their potential value, there is a need for studies that can help understand their role and promote greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the SDGs. Against this background, this article outlines the concept of partnerships and their values, followed by a description of the partnerships for sustainable development, concerning the implementation of the SDGs and its main features. Some examples of relevant partnerships are presented, outlining their scope and degree of success. Based on the experiences gathered specific suggestions on how to foster partnerships to foster the implementation of sustainable development are provided. It is crucial to define common objectives to ensure alignment and a strong foundation for collaboration, involving diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, and local communities, thus bringing unique perspectives and resources. Open and transparent communication builds trust and encourages the sharing of ideas and challenges. Additionally, demonstrating the benefits for each partner, whether in reputation, market access, or cost reduction, motivates active engagement, establishes incentive structures, and allows to celebrate successes. Pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise enhances the effectiveness of sustainable development initiatives, encouraging long-term commitments and fostering adaptability in the face of complex challenges. These are specific strategies that highlight the relevance of these findings, in comparison to existing work. Partnerships have evolved into indispensable instruments for the realization of the UN SDGs. Their transformative potential is expected to grow as the future trend, driven by the ongoing need for collaborative solutions to global challenges, becoming instrumental in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, public health crises, and economic inequalities. In the coming years, a surge in research and initiatives focusing on optimizing partnership models, governance structures, and monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability and transparency, is anticipated. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies and data-driven insights into partnership strategies may revolutionize their impact and efficiency. Overall, the evolution of partnerships as a vital force in global sustainability presents a promising future trend with broader applications and a crucial role in addressing multifaceted challenges beyond the SDGs, as demonstrated in this study.