Cross-Sectoral Cooperation For Sustainable Futures

Well-thought and well-coordinated cross-sectoral cooperation of multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions are very important for the successful implementation of SDG Target 4.7. They can strengthen the mobilisation of all available resources, knowledge, skills and expertise needed to address the systemic challenges that could lead to the transformative change envisaged in the 2030 Agenda.

Considering that multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions are composed of different stakeholders, their coordination and establishment is not always easy. Building and strengthening multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions therefore requires a clear basis for establishing multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions, clearly defined relationships within multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions, well-designed structures and operating procedures and strong management.

If SDG Target 4.7 is to be achieved by 2030, we need partnerships of diverse stakeholders from relevant sectors of society to work towards the implementation of SDG Target 4.7 and the creation of appropriate policies that respect human rights and address key global challenges. This can build structural and institutional capacities that enable all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a more sustainable and just future.

It is true that we have institutions, people, ideas, knowledge, resources and even technologies needed to achieve our transformative vision by 2030. However, we need to combine them in ways that effectively promote transformative change. Fostering collaborative, inclusive, diverse and effective multi-stakeholder groups is crucial, if we are to achieve SDG Target 4.7. To do this, stakeholders must be strategically identified and should cover all major sectors of society, including the various areas included in the different 'educations for'. We no longer have time to build partnerships based on silo- thinking and working. We no longer have time to cherry-pick resources and partners. Now is the time for well-defined collective purpose and goals, facilitation, active listening, capacity development, peer learning, transparency, accountability, shared risk, mutual benefit, and inclusive, flexible, and effective cross-sectoral cooperation of multi-stakeholder groups or coalitions if we are to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future.

Jana Arbeiter is the author of Bridge 47's research paper on Cross-Sectoral Cooperation for Sustainable Futures.