Governance for the Sustainable Development Goals

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Exploring an Integrative Framework of Theories, Tools,

and Competencies

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(Springer, link: https://www.springer.com/us/book/9789811304743 )

 

By Joachim Monkelbaan

 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are quickly becoming not just objectives for the United Nations, other international organizations and national governments, but also the basis for sustainability performance evaluation in companies and local governments. This book by Trade4SDGs founder Joachim Monkelbaan provides a detailed description of the principles and methods for leadership and governance for the SDGs.

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The book offers a comprehensive overview of sustainability governance, with a focus on the SDGs. Adopting a unique integrative approach, it examines the fragmentation of governance that is a critical barrier to achieving the SDGs. The main question addressed is: What are the crucial elements and the organizing logic of an integrative framework that is suitable for analysing governance for the SDGs and for implementing the systemic transitions that we need towards a more sustainable world?

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This transdisciplinary book first proposes a combination of innovative governance theories that can improve the analysis and practice of sustainability governance. Secondly, it explores the interests of core actors in a number of case examples, including on trade and the SDGs. And thirdly, it offers recommendations for improving the study and practice of sustainability governance.

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The findings presented form the basis for a new approach to governance towards objectives such as the SDGs: Integrative Sustainability Governance (ISG). The ensuing ISG framework includes indicator frames within the pillars of power, knowledge and norms. The book concludes that the transformation of crisis into sustainability transitions requires a deeper consideration of risk management that strengthens resilience; systems deliberation that complements democracy; and behavioral insights that elevate human awareness and collaboration.

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Through an independent and scientifically-based exploration (including case studies, literature review and interviews), the book confirms a great number of principles and critical needs that Trade4SDGs also promotes, including:

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• the equality of men and women;

• independent search for ‘truth’ and reflexivity;

• avoiding extremes of wealth and poverty;

• new forms of participatory governance, deliberation and consultation;

• mind shifts (including spiritual orientation) towards sustainability;

• a world-embracing vision;

• systems thinking;

• norms and values (ethics)for sustainability;

• cultural diversity;

• emergent/experimental approaches to development (‘planning-action-learning cycle’;

• subsidiarity of governance;

• appreciation of happiness and quality of life beyond material prosperity.

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This handbook is set to be a comprehensive and valuable companion for students, experts and practitioners with an interest in governance, sustainable development, and the SDGs. It forms a substantive basis for our work at Trade4SDGs.