Abstract
The concept of multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) is promoted as one of the key tools for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 17 emphasizes the critical importance of partnerships for sustainable development, based on the assumption that partnerships will mobilize a wide range of stakeholders in the sharing of knowledge, expertise, technology, and additional resources towards achieving the global development agenda. However, studies have shown that global multi-stakeholder partnerships are challenged by unbalanced participation, particularly the limited participation of stakeholders from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This lack of inclusiveness and participation often leads to incoherence in agenda-setting, contested decision-making processes, and suboptimal outcomes of partnerships. Yet, developing strong partnerships for the SDGs requires increased participation, inclusiveness, and diversity that enhances the role and influence of partnerships towards achieving the SDGs. Consequently, research needs to urgently explore how multi-stakeholder partnerships can achieve increased participation and inclusiveness by mobilizing underrepresented stakeholders. Against this challenge, this chapter analyzes inclusiveness and representation in MSPs related to stakeholders from the SSA region. Using Nigeria as a case study, we explore the participation of Nigerian stakeholders in MSPs, focusing on obstacles for increased participation and inclusiveness. The chapter is organized as follows: first, we review the Partnerships for SDGs online platform (hosted by the United Nations), focusing on multi-stakeholder partnerships’ self-reported implementation in Nigeria. Second, using survey data on SSA partnerships, we analyze the factors hindering participation in partnerships. Finally, this chapter discusses the impacts of limited participation and inclusiveness on partnerships concerning agenda-setting, decision-making process, and outcomes. The chapter concludes that an improved understanding of participation in multi-stakeholder partnerships will offer an opportunity for reflection, in the SSA context, required for building strong and effective partnerships for the SDGs.
Highlights
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for sustainable development constitutes the blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a healthy planet, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the necessary guidance in terms of targets and indicators
Achieving SDG 17 is a challenging task, as the successful implementation of this goal transforms the implementation of the entire SDGs
Multi-stakeholder partnerships are at the center of SDG implementation, and it is assumed that this approach will address the inclusiveness and participation deficit in global sustainability governance, thereby achieving the ‘no one is left behind’ principle of the SDG declaration
Summary
The United Nations 2030 Agenda for sustainable development constitutes the blueprint for peace, prosperity, and a healthy planet, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the necessary guidance in terms of targets and indicators. Multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs), since their emergence in the sphere of global public policy making, influence sustainability governance towards achieving sustainable development. Transitioning to strong partnerships for achieving the SDG 17 requires increased participation and inclusiveness that enhances the role and influence of partnerships towards achieving the SDGs. Participation and inclusive criteria in the design and governance of partnerships guarantee that local context and specific sustainability priorities are taken into account. Participation and inclusiveness increase legitimacy, optimism for effective outcome and confidence of achieving domestic resource mobilization required for the localization of the implementation of the global agenda. Research needs to urgently explore how multi-stakeholder partnerships can achieve increased participation and inclusiveness by mobilizing underrepresented stakeholders. Against this background, this chapter analyzes inclusiveness and representation related to stakeholders from the SSA region. Using Nigeria as a case study, we explore participation of Nigerian stakeholders in multi-stakeholder partnerships, focusing on perceived obstacles to participation and inclusiveness
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