SDG 17: The Paris Agreement as a Tool for Global Partnerships
- Wilhelminah Juma
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving global goals, making SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) a crucial component of sustainable development. Climate change is a challenge that transcends borders, requiring collective action and cooperation. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 and enforced in 2016, is one of the most significant international climate change treaties. It brings together 196 nations under a common goal: to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while striving to keep it within 1.5°C. The agreement exemplifies how global partnerships can drive climate action by fostering collaboration between developed and developing nations.
A key strength of the Paris Agreement is its focus on inclusivity. Unlike previous climate agreements, each country can determine its emissions reduction targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ensuring flexibility and national ownership of climate commitments. Financial support is crucial in this partnership, with developed countries pledging $100 billion annually to help developing nations mitigate and adapt to climate change. Mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) facilitate this financial flow, promoting investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement encourages the transfer of clean technologies and strengthening institutional capacity, helping nations implement effective climate policies.
Capacity building is a key component of the Paris Agreement, ensuring that developing nations have the expertise and institutional frameworks necessary to implement climate policies effectively. One example is the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT), launched under the Paris Agreement to support developing countries in meeting their climate reporting requirements. Through CBIT, countries receive technical assistance and training to improve their data collection and emissions tracking, allowing for more accurate climate action reporting. Similarly, the Partnerships for Market Readiness (PMR) program, funded by the World Bank, assists nations in designing and implementing carbon pricing instruments, such as emissions trading systems and carbon taxes, helping them transition to low-carbon economies.
Technology transfer is another essential element in ensuring that all countries have access to sustainable solutions regardless of their economic status. The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), provides technical assistance to developing countries by connecting them with expertise, training programs, and funding for sustainable technologies. A concrete example is CTCN’s collaboration with Kenya to improve solar energy adoption. By linking Kenyan institutions with international experts, the program facilitated the development of localized solar technology, reducing reliance on expensive imported energy solutions. Another example is India’s cooperation with France on the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which promotes solar technology transfer and investment in solar infrastructure across developing nations, particularly in Africa and South Asia.
However, the Paris Agreement also faces several challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the economic divide between developed and developing countries. While financial commitments have been made, actual disbursement of funds has been inconsistent, limiting the ability of poorer nations to take meaningful climate action. Another challenge is the agreement’s reliance on voluntary commitments. Some governments have failed to meet their pledges without legally binding enforcement mechanisms, undermining collective progress. Political instability and shifts in leadership have also impacted the agreement's effectiveness, as seen when some nations temporarily withdrew or reduced their climate commitments.
Despite these challenges, the Paris Agreement has recorded some notable wins. It has created a global framework for climate action, leading to increased ambition among countries to curb emissions. Many nations have strengthened their NDCs, setting more aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement has also accelerated the adoption of renewable energy, with solar and wind power investments rising significantly in the past decade. Additionally, it has heightened public awareness and pressure on governments and corporations to take climate change seriously.
Yet, there are clear losses as well. Global emissions continue to rise, and many countries are not on track to meet their commitments. Climate finance remains inadequate, and the most vulnerable nations still struggle to access the support they need. Moreover, the lack of stringent accountability means that some major emitters continue to delay meaningful action. The disparity between developed and developing countries in their ability to combat climate change remains a pressing issue, raising concerns about climate justice and equity.
Despite its limitations, the Paris Agreement remains the most comprehensive international framework for tackling climate change. Its success depends on strengthening financial commitments, enhancing technological support, and ensuring greater accountability. For SDG 17 to fully realize, global partnerships must be reinforced through transparent commitments, fair resource distribution, and a stronger collective will to address climate challenges. While the agreement is not perfect, it serves as a model of international cooperation and a foundation upon which future climate action can build. Strengthening these partnerships will be essential in shaping a sustainable and equitable world for future generations.
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