LocationsRemarks by Mr James George at the 2nd Asian Philanthropy Forum
November 27, 2024
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in China, James George, delivered a keynote speech at the 2nd Asian Philanthropy Forum in Haikou, China.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good morning!
On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China, I am delighted to be here at the Second Asian Philanthropy Forum.
This forum serves as a crucial platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among philanthropic organizations across Asia, aiming to address regional challenges and contribute to global development.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are central to this vision. These goals, which aim to eradicate poverty and protect our planet for future generations, represent the most ambitious agenda in human history. Our survival hinges on our ability to achieve them.
However, recent reports from the UN Secretary-General indicate that progress towards the SDGs has been too slow, and in some areas, we are even regressing. If we continue at the current pace, nearly 500 million people could still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. The past four years have been the warmest on record, and at least half of the global population still lacks essential health services. [1]
Changing this trajectory will require accelerated, ambitious actions from all sectors. It will also require overcoming rising geopolitical tensions, climate disasters, and a global cost-of-living crisis affecting billions of people, and hindering progress on healthcare, education, and other development targets.
"Philanthropy can contribute significantly to advancing the SDGs by leveraging its strong convening and alliance-building abilities."
Foundations have the capacity to bring together diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and academia, to identify and implement solutions to social problems. This is crucial for localizing the SDG agenda and ensuring effective follow-up actions.
Moreover, philanthropic organizations have the freedom to explore risks, incubate practical solutions, and spur innovation. They can support activities that might be challenging for governments or inter-governmental organizations, acting as the 'venture capitalists' of development. This flexibility allows them to experiment with new models that can be scaled up by the public sector.
Philanthropy's technical expertise, local knowledge, and wide reach also enable it to effectively engage with grassroots organizations and reach vulnerable populations. By funding and working with civil society organizations across countries, philanthropic institutions build strong local networks and accumulate valuable insights into what strategies work in various contexts.
Furthermore, the social capital and innovative financing capabilities of foundations provide substantial support to the SDGs. As one of the last sources of flexible capital, philanthropy can leverage resources in ways that governments cannot, pioneering blended financing models that complement other forms of aid.
At UNDP, we recognize the critical role that philanthropies play in advancing sustainable development, and we are committed to partnering with both global and local philanthropic entities to implement effective development projects.
Indeed, here in China, UNDP has a long history of partnering with domestic and international foundations to address poverty, lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and lack of financing support for Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women-owned businesses (WOBs).
Starting in 2019, together with Chinese partners, UNDP successfully launched a collaboration project aimed at empowering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to participate in international cooperation for the SDGs. Through the project, we have been able to identify and address key bottlenecks through evidence-based research, and empower philanthropic organizations with the knowledge and capacities needed to operate as international development agents, offering training, exchanges, and talent development opportunities.
In closing, let me extend my heartfelt appreciation to all philanthropic organizations and experts participating in this year’s forum. Your dedication and efforts are crucial in harnessing the power of people to advance sustainable development.
Our path forward will not be easy, but together, we can make the 2030 Agenda not simply a bold vision, but a promise to be realized by all people, and for all people, leaving no one behind.
Thank you.
[1] UNDESA (2024), The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, unstats.un.org
Related
content
content
