The international community is not on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were unanimously adopted by all countries six years ago as the most tangible part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Global challenges are on the rise, frustrating progress, and threatening the lives and well-being of millions of people.
Leaders of international development agencies, including OECD ministries, agencies and development finance institutions, have a critical role to play to reverse that trend. Both bilateral and multilateral actions are needed.
As they strive to co-ordinate more effectively and efficiently across institutions, borders and sectors in support of partner countries’ efforts, this report is a timely reminder that the SDGs are more than an ambition: they provide all development partners with a universal road map for collaborative and comprehensive approaches in development co-operation.
However, the report also points to a number of largely internal technical, organisational and political obstacles standing in the way. Leaders of international development agencies have the power to remove them. Further, the COVID-19 crisis has revealed the ability of their institutions to innovate, reform their management and procurement systems, enhance their partnerships, and scale up action.
Based on a wealth of good practice examples, this report recommends specific policy actions, calling on leaders and decision makers to renew their approach to partnerships, and improve their delivery and systems. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and deliver on the letter and spirit of the 2030 Agenda. The OECD is here to help.
Jorge Moreira da Silva
Director of the Development Co-operation Directorate
OECD