THERE is concern that the world will not meet most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
This would have dire consequences for humanity. It appears to be more difficult to meet the climate change targets aS the world is squabbling over the measures.
The 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit is now history. Even the new target of 2.0 degrees is uncertain. Ending world poverty, as envisaged under Goal 1, remains elusive. Some say the situation is in fact worsening as the world economy is failing to deal with protectionism.
The truth is the number of hungry people around the world keeps rising. Conflicts between nations are not abating. They have exacerbated global supply chain problems, raising food and energy prices and fuelling worries about global sustainability.
Goal 17 is the most critical. It is about building partnerships and collaborations among nations. It has emerged as the biggest challenge. Many blame poor communication and growing distrust among nations for the inability to work together in the interest of sustainability.
Few would disagree that ineffective communication can lead to a lack of understanding of sustainability practices among stakeholders, including employees, suppliers and customers.
Poor communication can also foster misconceptions and myths about the costs and benefits of sustainable practices.
When the benefits are not clearly communicated, stakeholders may resist changes to established processes. Fears and uncertainties may grow.
Poor communication can result in fragmented sustainability efforts. Departments would work in silos. There would be mixed messages about priorities and goals, causing confusion and misalignment.
The ability to track progress and hold organisations accountable would be compromised. Without transparent communication, stakeholders may doubt the authenticity of an organisation's sustainability efforts.
Innovation would be stifled because of the inadequate sharing of new technologies, best practices and collaborative opportunities.
Responses to sustainability crises, such as environmental incidents and regulatory violations, would be delayed. This would damage an organisation's reputation and stakeholder trust.
Engagement is needed to address these challenges. Adopt strategies to improve decision-making. Create clear, consistent and compelling messages about sustainability goals, initiatives and benefits.
Use a variety of communication channels to reach different audiences. Establish mechanisms for stakeholders to provide feedback and ask questions.
Use platforms, such as forums and workshops, for dialogue and collaboration. Regular conversations organised by Friends of Sustainable Malaysia improve public awareness.
Companies should develop programmes to educate employees and other stakeholders about sustainability practices.
Regular updates — dashboards, and public disclosures — on sustainability progress should be provided.
By improving communications, countries can overcome many of the barriers to sustainability.
Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is a professor at the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy, UCSI University and Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad is adviser, Friends of Sustainable Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times