The U.S. has rejected the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by stating that it “rejects and denounces” the framework. The decision was made because of the misalignment of ideologies between the Trump administration and SDG rules.
Private market firms, asset managers, and impact investors with a portfolio of companies that align with SDGs may face challenges in aligning with U.S. policies that don’t follow the same initiatives.
Let’s explore the U.S. rejection of SDGs in detail.
About the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN
The SDGs are the key global goals adopted by the United Nations initially in 2015. The framework is a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that aims to address global environmental and social challenges. These goals refer to 17 categories of Sustainable Development, which were approved by all the member states in 2015, with the target of ending poverty and hunger, improving education, and protecting the environment. In addition, SDGs also focus on sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
The U.S. rejection announcement
The rejection of SDGs was made on the announcement by Edward Heartney, the Counselor to the United Nations Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC), mentioning that the government under President Trump will redirect its focus to its backyard rather than “globalist endeavours.”
"Although framed in neutral language, Agenda 2030 and the SDGs advance a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with US sovereignty and adverse to the rights and interests of Americans," said Heartney.
The announcement forms a part of a more significant retreat by the Trump administration from global climate and sustainability initiatives. This includes one of President Trump's first executive orders following his inauguration in January: withdrawing the United States from important climate financing endeavours and leaving the Paris Agreement.
Reasons for the SDG's rejection
- America first priority: The administration is focusing more on "America first" policies, which has resulted in a move away from international commitments like the SDGs and Agenda 2030.
- Gender ideology: The Trump administration has criticized the SDGs for promoting "climate ideology" and gender equality, which it claims are inconsistent with its domestic policies. Addressing this, Heartney said, “President Trump also set a clear and overdue course correction on `gender’ and climate ideology, which pervade the SDGs,”
- Climate change: Regarding climate change, President Trump has advocated for increased oil and gas exploration, and the SDGs encourage immediate action to prevent climate change and its effects.
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