Is Covid-19 Setting the Stage for UN Agenda 2030? In Pursuit of the Trajectory

Sarpong, Sam

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has caused much havoc across the world. It has upended lives and livelihoods and created a state of despair. Many countries are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic . Notwithstanding this, the pandemic has also exposed mankind to a startling reality - specifically the fundamental weaknesses in our global system, the prevalence of poverty, the lack of social-protection mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable, weak health systems and above all the need for global cooperation. The on-going crisis has also re-enforced the interdependence of our world and has brought to the fore the urgent need for global action to meet people’s basic needs, to save our planet and to build a fairer and more secure world, all of which have been canvassed within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) . The chapter explores issues relating to the pandemic and their implications for sustainable development. It seeks to draw parallels between the two by arguing that the crisis, despite its ferocity, has proved an opportunity for mankind to ramp up actions necessary to achieve the SDGs . This is evidenced by the spirit of solidarity, the global network of innovations, and the synchronised efforts and the shared vision being displayed by civil society , private sector, and governments.