Christian Bobst
The 2030 Agenda
The challenge of multiple crises
In 2019 the United Nations published a report titled «Global sustainable development report», which was the first stock-taking of the progress made. The study found that all the accomplishments of the past two decades were at risk of being undone by the numerous crises of our time, including climate change or the proliferation of armed conflict. Admittedly, the number of children and adolescents not attending school has fallen over recent years, many communicable diseases are on the wane, access to drinking water has improved, and women are much better represented in leadership positions. At the same time, however, ever more people are confronting food insecurity, the degradation of our environment continues at an alarming pace and there is glaring inequality in all regions of the world.
It is already becoming apparent today that the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic and social ramifications will very adversely impact most of the 17 SDGs. In the countries of the global South, vulnerable population groups such as the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, members of minorities, migrants and refugees are being hit considerably harder than the rest of society. Even high-income countries are recording their highest mortality rates among marginalised groups.
It is already becoming apparent today that the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic and social ramifications will very adversely impact most of the 17 SDGs. In the countries of the global South, vulnerable population groups such as the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, members of minorities, migrants and refugees are being hit considerably harder than the rest of society. Even high-income countries are recording their highest mortality rates among marginalised groups.
Faysal Ahmad
The 2030 Agenda in HEKS/EPER's project work
For the current decade, the «2030 Agenda» and its guiding principle of «leaving no-one behind» constitute a key priority and frame of reference for the work of HEKS/EPER abroad and in Switzerland. In keeping with Goal 10, «Reduced Inequality», HEKS/EPER therefore assists disadvantaged people in Switzerland in becoming socially integrated and in playing an active part in society. By providing legal advice, HEKS/EPER ensures that asylum seekers and other socially disadvantaged people have equal access to justice (Goal 16 «Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions»). Through its international project work HEKS/EPER also champions the participation of socially underprivileged, marginalised people in social, cultural, political and economic life. These groups include Roma communities in Eastern Europe, Adivasis and Dalits in Bangladesh or indigenous communities in Latin American countries. HEKS/EPER too is convinced that equitable access to social, economic, cultural and political life strengthens social coherence and thereby lays the solid groundwork needed for thriving, inclusive and peaceful societies.
