The three state universities in São Paulo – Unicamp, USP and Unesp – signed this Friday (8) a protocol of intentions with the State Government to implement the 2030 Agenda, a global action that brings together the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN (United Nations) and the 169 goals for eradicating poverty.
The document was also supported by the National Front of Mayors (FNP) and the São Paulo Association of Municipalities (APM). It was signed at the opening of Virada ODS, an action promoted by the City of São Paulo and the UN, in a ceremony held at the Ibirapuera Park Biennial, in which governor Rodrigo Garcia was present. The objective of the protocol is to implement the 2030 Agenda in all municipalities in the State.
"The 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals have the potential to align all actors in society and prepare a future of development with three pillars”, said the rector of Unicamp, Antonio Meirelles, who also holds the presidency of Cruesp (Council of Rectors of São Paulo State Universities). “The pillar of environmental sustainability; that of social justice and that of inclusion, with economically viable activities”, he explained.
"State universities are already guided by similar ideas. They train people, develop science, technology and innovation and formulate public policies with an impact on society. There is nothing better than the link with society to make this a reality”, he continued. "Furthermore, by involving social organizations, the document has a foothold in civil society. It aligns actors who can enable sustainability,” she concluded.
"This is an extremely important protocol because it integrates not only universities, but also municipalities, in participation focused on sustainability”, said the Executive Coordinator of the USP Rector's Office, Edmilson Dias de Freitas. "These are objectives that aim at development with future generations in mind; in conservation, in the environment. The involvement of the entire population is necessary”, he assessed.
The dean of Strategic Planning and Management at Unesp, Estevão Tomomitsu Kimpara, recalled that the UN's objectives have already permeated the activities of universities for some time. For him, the engagement of public authorities and society will enhance sustainability. “This partnership must always exist, because we share the same objective: the well-being of society”, he argued.
"With the knowledge generated by academic research, political articulation and the strengthening of dialogue between state and municipal spheres, we will be able to positively transform the quality of life of the population of São Paulo”, said the Executive Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Commission of the Government of the State of São Paulo, Ana Paula Fava.
Monitoring Report
At the opening of Virada ODS, governor Rodrigo Garcia delivered the 2nd State SDG Monitoring Report, prepared by 26 government institutions that are part of the ODS State Commission. Through the training of public managers, 94 priority State programs were chosen that are in line with the SDGs and the UN's global goals.
"São Paulo is a state that practices sustainable development. It's no use just for governments to be prepared to guide their budget and public policies in relation to this topic. It is essential that society has this permanent agenda in its actions and begins to exercise social control to mobilize governments”, said Rodrigo Garcia.
"With the protocol of intentions, São Paulo can inspire a national movement aimed at environmental, social and economic development, contributing to a more just and egalitarian society”, stated the Secretary of International Relations, Julio Serson.
The State of São Paulo made a commitment to implementing the SDGs throughout its territory during the launch of the 2030 Agenda at the UN in 2015. Since 2016, the state government has aligned the Multi-Year Plans (PPA) with the SDGs.
Programs and actions
In 2018, the State Commission for Sustainable Development Goals was created, linked to the Civil House, to contribute to the implementation of strategies, programs and actions related to the goals.
Examples include the restoration and expansion of the Ipiranga Museum, the Novo Rio Pinheiros (Sabesp, Emae and other bodies), the Respect for Life program, from Detran SP, Meu Emprego – Trabalho Inclusivo, from the Secretariat of Economic Development, and the Immigrant campaign, São Paulo Acolhe Te, from the Secretariat of Justice and Citizenship.
The 2nd SDG Report will soon be available on the UN website and will present the work methodologies developed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
The SDG Turn
Virada ODS takes place between the 8th and 10th of July. Important names such as Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations from 2007 to 2017, the doctor Drauzio Varella, the philosopher Djamila Ribeiro, the Cambodian-American Human Rights activist and lecturer Loung Ung and the former president of Colombia and winner Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos Calderón will participate in the debates on the Main Stage, located on the 1st floor of the Ibirapuera Park Biennial.
Follow the schedule complete version of Virada ODS.
Check out images from the opening of the event: