Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in Belgium: A Comparative Analysis with Brazil and Argentina

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[...] In this context, the latter has put in place a National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS)1, This is regularly reviewed to ensure its alignment with the SDGs. In addition, the Federal Public Service (FPS) 'Sustainable Development' publishes periodic reports on the progress made in the area of SDGs, providing transparency on the efforts and challenges2. In addition, it is worth noting that Belgium stands out for its commitment to key areas such as climate action, reducing inequalities, and promoting health and well-being. For example, the National Energy-Climate Plan 2021-20303 highlights the country's efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, while also incorporating the SDGs. [...]

[...] In Brazil, for example, the government of Jair Bolsonaro marked a turning point in the country's environmental policy, with a weakening of environmental regulations in the Amazon, which directly contradicted the SDGs. In Belgium, however, even as economic priorities have evolved, the overall framework of the SDGs has continued to influence public policies. 1.3. Points of divergence and conclusions There are notable divergences between Belgium and countries like Brazil and Argentina in terms of implementing the SDGs, mainly due to political, social, and economic differences. [...]

[...] Impacts of political power on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): the case of Belgium - Question : You have written a thesis on the SDGs in Brazil, Argentina. What about Belgium in terms of SDGs? Where is it and what do you think about it based on your research on SDGs in Brazil and Argentina? In order to address the challenges raised by this question, we propose a three-step response. First, it is a matter of understanding Belgium's involvement in the implementation of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) then understanding the elements related to the political transition and what is observed in relation to the challenges of our thesis and finally the potential points of divergence (III). [...]

[...] In the field of education, Belgium has worked to ensure universal access to quality educationSDG 4). 1.2. Comparison with Brazil and Argentina In contrast to Brazil and Argentina, where political changes have had a notable impact on the implementation of the SDGs as we have seen, Belgium has maintained continuity in its commitments to these goals, and this despite the various changes in government. In our view, this stability is partly due to the consensual nature of Belgian politics, where coalition governments are common and where a broad political spectrum agrees on the importance of the SDGs. [...]

[...] In fact, Belgium's experience with the SDGs offers a positive example of how political and institutional stability can facilitate the effective implementation of sustainable development goals. However, the example of Brazil and Argentina shows that the SDGs can be vulnerable to sudden political changes, especially in contexts where short-term economic priorities dominate. To ensure the sustainability of the SDGs, it is essential to strengthen institutional mechanisms and promote bipartisan engagement, as is the case in Belgium. This would not only protect the gains made in sustainable development, but also ensure that these goals remain a priority, regardless of political changes. [...]