From the vibrant streets of Sevilla to the bustling avenues of New York, the global conversation around sustainable development continues to gather momentum. World leaders, development practitioners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations are intensifying efforts to secure the funding and strategic alignment needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While progress has undeniably been slow and many pledges have fallen short of expectations, one fact remains indisputable: those most in need cannot afford to wait.
Two major international platforms have recently taken center stage to address this reality. The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, Spain from June 30 to July 3, 2025, brought together stakeholders to explore practical solutions to funding gaps. Shortly afterward, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened in New York City from July 14 to 23, offering a space to review ongoing initiatives, share lessons, and commit to concrete actions.
These twin events reflect the urgent need to realign global priorities and strategies to ensure the promise of the SDGs—ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all—is not relegated to mere rhetoric.
Cross-Sector Cooperation: The Only Viable Path
It is increasingly clear that no single sector can deliver sustainable development in isolation. A whole-of-society approach is imperative. Governments must play their part by enacting and enforcing fair taxation, tackling corruption, and stemming illicit financial flows. At the same time, the private sector must take responsibility by upholding consumer rights, ensuring fair labor practices, and eliminating exploitative behaviors within their value chains.
Meanwhile, civil society—often the closest to marginalized populations—continues to play a vital role by delivering essential services, advocating for the rights of the vulnerable, holding power to account, and contributing valuable insights into local realities. However, for civil society to fulfill its mission, it must operate in an enabling environment. The shrinking civic space in many countries, including Nigeria, must be urgently addressed. Participation should not be limited to business interests alone; ordinary citizens and community-focused organizations also deserve a seat at the decision-making table.
Civil society’s role in shaping policy may seem inconvenient to those in power, but the dividends of their inclusion are far-reaching. True development flourishes when policies are informed by those who experience their impacts firsthand.
Nigeria’s Role in Strengthening Domestic Accountability
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and a critical regional power, stands at a crossroads. Encouragingly, recent tax reforms introduced by the federal government represent a step in the right direction. These reforms aim to improve the regulatory landscape for the social and solidarity economy—an often overlooked but vital part of national development.
However, reforms on paper are not enough. The real test lies in how these changes translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians. How do they impact public service delivery, expand access to health and education, reduce inequality, and foster decent employment opportunities? For reforms to be successful, they must touch the lives of the people powering the country’s democratic and economic engines.
Despite forecasts that Nigeria’s GDP may grow by two to three percent by the end of 2025, GDP alone is an incomplete measure of progress. Equally important are indicators that capture the quality of life of citizens—poverty reduction, social protection coverage, access to basic services, and the strength of inclusive governance.
A Lesson from History: Listening to the People
The recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has evoked mixed reactions from citizens. While some have acknowledged his contributions, many have voiced strong criticisms of his governance style, policy choices, and the socioeconomic hardships that defined his tenure. These reactions reflect a broader sentiment: Nigerians are demanding better from their leaders.
The deep-seated structural inequalities that flourished during Buhari’s presidency remain unresolved. They must be addressed within the broader frameworks of the United Nations Agenda 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and ECOWAS Vision 2050. These frameworks are not mere theoretical blueprints; they offer practical pathways to build a just, inclusive, and prosperous society.
Innovation Must Guide Policy and Politics
It is understandable that nations today face unprecedented global challenges—from geopolitical tensions and economic volatility to environmental shocks and public health crises. However, these realities must not become an excuse for policy stagnation. Rather, they should compel innovation in both political thinking and public policy.
Leaders must be bold enough to scale successful interventions in key sectors such as healthcare, education, social protection, and public service delivery. Equally important is safeguarding fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and association. These rights are the foundation of any functioning democracy and essential for holding governments accountable.
President Bola Tinubu has publicly committed to upholding these democratic principles. It is now the responsibility of Nigeria’s institutions to transform this commitment into action. Doing so will not only improve the country’s domestic credibility but also enhance its standing as a genuine leader within the African continent.
Conclusion: Toward a Collaborative and Just Future
The time for action is now. The clock is ticking on the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs. Each sector—government, business, and civil society—must rise to the occasion and deliver on its share of the responsibility.
The focus should shift from abstract promises to practical outcomes. The prosperity of the nation and the dignity of its people depend on more than just economic growth figures. They depend on the deliberate pursuit of equity, inclusion, and justice. As the global community continues to chart the future of sustainable development from cities like Sevilla and New York, Nigeria has a critical opportunity to lead by example—by putting people first, prioritizing accountability, and ensuring that no one is left behind.
