Global Conflicts and SDGs on the Brink of Failure

“If we don’t act now, the 2030 agenda will be the epitaph for a world that may have changed.”

– Antonio Guterres (Secretary-General, United Nations)

As we approach the middle of 2024, various global conflicts are becoming the center of attention. Among the most pressing issues is the humanitarian crisis. Social and environmental activists supporting the implementation of the SDGs are voicing their aspirations to encourage governments and global leaders to take part in alleviating these conditions.

Take, for example, the Rohingya, an ethnic group in Myanmar marginalized due to their unrecognized status by the Myanmar government. Not only are they neglected, but Rohingya people are also expelled from Myanmar. According to Britannica (2024), this conflict falls under the category of apartheid, a form of discrimination based on Ethnicity, Religion, Race, and Group (SARA). This is reinforced by a report from Amnesty International (2017), which asserts that the laws, policies, and regulations in Myanmar constitute a systematic crime against Rohingya civilians.

Similarly, conflict continues in Gaza, Palestine, now reaching Rafah. The situation in Palestine has become a global concern. Mass killings are openly conducted by Israel, targeting not only Gaza’s military but also civilians, including Palestinian women and children (Republika, 2023). According to Francesca Albanese, a United Nations Human Rights expert, the situation in Palestine qualifies as genocide (VOA, 2024).

Another ongoing conflict is between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia launching a full-scale invasion of major cities, including Kyiv, Ukraine. The conflict continues with fluctuating battle intensities, as Ukraine receives military support from Western nations, while Russia faces growing political and economic pressure from international sanctions (VOA, 2023).

These conflicts share a common thread: wars that bring devastating impacts, resulting in prolonged humanitarian crises with millions of refugees and widespread infrastructure destruction. This situation not only directly affects communities but also leads to global setbacks in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The following are some of the direct and indirect impacts of current conflicts on the SDGs:

Various Losses Due to War

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   

   Conflicts have severely damaged the economies of Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine, clearly increasing poverty rates and limiting access to economic resources.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   

   War disrupts food production and distribution, affecting food availability and access.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   

   Health systems in Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine are under great strain due to war, with damaged healthcare facilities and limited resources to meet the medical needs of residents and refugees.

4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   

   With infrastructure damage, even basic educational facilities are unavailable. War has impacted educational infrastructure, such as the destruction of schools and universities, disrupting the education of children and students in conflict areas.

5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   

   Infrastructure damage has disrupted access to clean water and sanitation services, which are essential for disease prevention.

6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   

   The economies of countries in conflict are clearly affected, leading to job losses and reduced economic opportunities for locals.

7. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   

   Extensive damage to urban infrastructure and housing has reduced the quality of life and sustainability of cities in Myanmar, Palestine, and Ukraine.

8. SDG 13: Climate Action
   

   War has diverted attention and resources from climate action initiatives, and military operations are significantly increasing carbon emissions.

9. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   

   Conflicts violate principles of peace and justice, with numerous reports of human rights and international law violations.

10. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
    

    These conflicts disrupt international cooperation and the global partnerships needed to achieve the SDGs more broadly.

These conflicts underscore the significant impact of war on a global scale, including environmental damage such as increased carbon emissions and critical ecosystem destruction. Wars in these regions demonstrate how military activities increase air and water pollution as well as severe land degradation. Reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) indicate that modern warfare has a substantial carbon footprint, hindering global efforts in climate change mitigation, which is a primary target of SDG 13.

Without peace and stability, it is challenging for countries to build strong foundations for achieving other SDGs, as resources that should be allocated for sustainable development are redirected to war expenses and post-conflict recovery.

Maxima’s Recommendation: The Importance of Cross-Stakeholder Collaboration

As an impact consulting firm, Maxima is committed to supporting the SDGs through a holistic and collaborative approach. In line with this commitment, Maxima firmly rejects any form of warfare, whether between or within nations, across domains of global, economic, political, religious, or nuclear conflicts.

We believe that the SDGs will not be achieved without cross-stakeholder collaboration. Every decision must align with SDG values, ensuring that our collective efforts truly make a positive impact on the environment and society.

To create a healthy global ecosystem, collaboration involving governments, the private sector, communities, and individuals is essential. All parties must work together to address climate change and promote global peace. Maxima is ready to be a strategic partner on this journey of transformation, helping design and implement sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Let us work together to create a better Indonesia and a more peaceful world. This transformation begins with small decisions we make today, which will have a significant impact in the future. Want to create an inclusive transformation as a foundation to support the SDGs? Consult with Maxima Impact Consulting and discover various alternatives suited to your organization!