Economists highlight Six Transitions framework as accelerator for Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals in Jamaica

There has been a shift towards exploring measures to accelerate countries' progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2019, world-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs and collaborators published 'Six Transformations to Achieve the SDGs' in Nature Sustainability, addressing the need for practical guidance. The JEP panellists were asked about the advancement and prioritization of the Six Transitions in Jamaica, including associated opportunities and challenges.

The JEP inquiry addressed the relevance of these transitions, potential prioritization, identification of gaps, and consideration of redundancy in the Jamaican context. The panel discussion and the Six Transitions prioritized investments in six overarching areas: education, gender equality, health, sustainable energy, food, cities, and digital innovation can significantly enhance countries' ability to meet their SDG targets.

According to Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of the West Indies Mona, the SDGs are essential metrics for measuring the improvements in our citizens' lives and livelihoods. Thus, we must recognise the importance of achieving marked progress.

“Despite being stymied by the pandemic, Jamaica's significant upward trend in the SDG goals deserves commendations. This upward trend must continue, and the next few years are critical. Jamaica must devote more resources to building resilient food security mechanisms, digital connectivity systems, climate change buffers, and deepening our human capital to continue on this positive path. Given the global technology revolution, we must consider utilising artificial intelligence to expedite reaching the SDGs,” Dr. McCloud said.

Current global assessments of the Sustainable Development Goals indicate we are falling behind - globally. The 2023 Sustainable Development Report highlights that only 1 in 8 SDG targets is on track, and UNCTAD's 2023 World Investment Report reveals an increased annual investment deficit of US$4 Trillion, up from US$2.5 Trillion in 2015 when the SDGs were adopted. Jamaica, presently ranked 82nd, surpasses the SIDS (63.9) and Caribbean (65.9) averages with an SDG performance score of 69.6. However, urgent challenges persist, requiring prompt action to achieve its goals.

Responding to the survey results, Mr. Dennis Zulu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, agreed that “Achieving these goals demands ongoing collective efforts and partnerships with various stakeholders to design, finance, and implement policies, projects, and programmes in the years to come.” He emphasised that “The United Nations and the government must collaborate to champion the Six Transition areas and accelerate SDGs in Jamaica through strategic partnerships.”

Overall, the JEP Panellists' discussion concluded that significant progress has been made in some areas, like gender equality and decent work, however, Jamaica will still need to accelerate its efforts in the coming years. As highlighted by Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist, UN Resident Coordinators Office.

“With the clock ticking, designing investments and development pathways to accelerate multiple SDGs will be critical if Jamaica is to meet its sustainable development targets by 2030. How Jamaica takes the best from global guidance and practice on transformation, and fine-tuning this to its sustainable development needs in the coming years will be an important determinant of success,” Dr. Davies said.

The Jamaican Economy Panel is part of a partnership between the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona. The JEP brings together economic, public-sector experts and development practitioners to address monthly socio-economic questions. These questions help to highlight relevant economic issues and the collective expertise of the panellists.

For more information on the Jamaican Economy Panel and the results of this JEP discussion, visit the UN Jamaica website.

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For further information, please contact:

• United Nations: Dr. Stuart Davies, Senior Economist. Email: stuart.davies@un.org
• Department of Economics, University of the West Indies: Dr. Nadine McCloud, Senior Lecturer, Email: nadine.mccloud02@uwimona.edu.jm