Partner2Connect: Mobilizing pledges and tracking implementation

Partnerships strengthen global cooperation, encourage innovation, and mobilize funding and action for every aspect sustainable development. As we explore digital solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we share the perspective of Alex Wong, Senior Advisor for Strategic Engagement and Initiatives at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Tell us about your digital solution to accelerate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition exemplifies the spirit of Goal 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development,” by creating a platform for leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia, to publicly pledge their commitment to achieving universal meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To date over 700 pledges have been made, valued at USD 33 billion.

Which organization or group is behind this digital solution?

ITU – the United Nations agency for digital technologies – coordinates P2C and all related activities. It does so on behalf of all the different entities, currently 375, that have made a P2C pledge.

Several key partners provide advisory support through the P2C Global Advisory Board.

How can your digital solution help put the SDGs back on track? 

By providing a public platform for organizations to declare their pledges, including a commitment to report on the progress of their pledge implementation on an annual basis, P2C serves as a space that allows pledgers to collaborate and “match-make” so that individual efforts can be leveraged and for new partnerships to be formed. Annual events are held at the global and regional levels to promote the visibility and commitment of the P2C community.

Which SDGs does your project aim to address, and why?

The P2C Digital Coalition specifically addresses Goal 17: “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development”. However, given that P2C pledges cover all aspects of digital development, P2C also promotes progress on the entire 2030 agenda.

What are the greatest challenges or risks you have faced in rolling out your digital solution for the SDGs? 

Leveraging the full advantage of the P2C platform to catalyse partnerships and new models of collaboration between the P2C pledgors remains an ongoing focus of the P2C team. For pledges to have impact, they also need to be implemented, so tracking progress on pledge implementation also remains a critical task.

What are the advantages for ITU and its P2C team in joining forces with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners to advance digital solutions for the SDGs?

ITU and UNDP, along with the entire UN system, offer an unparalleled neutral and impartial platform that welcomes and recognizes the contributions of all stakeholders. The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition – based on the UN principles of openness and transparency – provides an excellent platform for all stakeholders to declare their commitments to meaningful digital connectivity for all and advancing the 2030 agenda.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin and her P2C team presented this key solution for mobilizing partnerships and support during the SDG Digital event at UN Headquarters on 17 September. Learn about new commitments mobilized.

The P2C Digital Coalition is featured as a use-case solution for SDG17 (partnerships for the goals) in the SDG Digital Acceleration Agenda, prepared by ITU and UNDP with knowledge partner Boston Consulting Group and support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Header image credit: AdobeStock

(Updated 22/09/2023)