Why the SDGs’ Defining Decade Must Focus on Accountability for Those Left Behind (Devex, 2020)

Reference Summary (Article)

Abstract

This reference summary presents key information from the following article: https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-why-the-sdgs-defining-decade-must-focus-on-accountability-for-those-left-behind-98171. The source is an opinion article titled “Why the SDGs’ defining decade must focus on accountability for those left behind”, authored by Phumaphi J, Mason E, and Yamin AE, and published by Devex in 2020. The article emphasizes that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was already lagging prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since been further undermined, highlighting accountability as a central mechanism to ensure that commitments translate into measurable outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. The discussion aligns with the principles advanced by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Independent Accountability Panel for Every Woman, Every Child, Every Adolescent (IAP: Nicholas Kojo Alipui, Dame Carol Kidu, Brenda Killen, Elizabeth Mason, Giorgi Pkhakadze, Jovana Ríos Cisnero, Gita Sen, Alicia Ely Yamin, Kul Chandra Gautam, and Joy Phumaphi), emphasizing the need to strengthen data systems, institutionalize monitoring and independent review, and promote inclusive, rights-based accountability. The article reinforces that sustained accountability is essential to ensure that no one is left behind.