By Lungile Manzini, a Sustainability Development expert

The COVID-19 pandemic has come at a time when societies are already facing many challenges related to inequality, poverty, unemployment, and drought and/or lack of access to water amongst others. The cost of the crisis will be felt in years to come, from the traumas and emotional pain of loss of lives to its impact on the economy. The impact of the pandemic on economic, social and political structure is immeasurable. The pandemic will also negatively affect global development objectives, specifically the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected sustainable development in many constructs. The United Nations published a report on the impact of the pandemic in the achievement of the SDG which demonstrated that the pandemic has indeed stalled progress in meeting the goals that are to be achieved by 2030. The report also highlighted that inequality, poverty, the climate crisis, unsustainable production and other challenges require more urgent action as a result of COVID-19.

The SDGs define a common global goal of ending poverty and hunger and ensuring equality with the least impact on the planet. Therefore reaching the SDGs will ensure that extreme socio-economic challenges are addressed collectively and effectively. This view was emphasised by the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who indicated that: “Without support from the international community, we risk a massive reversal of gains made over the last two decades, and an entire generation lost, if not in lives then in rights, opportunities and dignity”. The table below adapted from the United Nations demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the SDGs.

With the pressures of the impacts of COVID-19, a post economic recovery that will accelerate these goals becomes critical. Governments are already designing economic recovery packages to improve the livelihoods of communities and drive economic development. These economic recovery packages have to be sustainable, inclusive and equitable while creating an environment where both society and the planet can thrive not only today but also for generations to come.

An economic recovery that is based on investments in fossil fuels, for example, could reverse past progress made on sustainable development as it will increase emissions which could have disastrous social, environmental and economic effects over time. An increased investment in clean technologies is crucial in fostering green jobs creation to restart the economy on route to recovery, mitigating against climate change and driving sustainable communities. The pandemic has proven how connected the world it, giving us the opportunity to further accelerate our efforts in ensuring that we achieve the SDGs.