LEADERS Interview with Jeffrey D. Sachs
How do you define the mission of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University?
The CSD undertakes a range of applied policy research in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by all UN member states in 2015. CSD works with governments and academic researchers on a variety of topics related to the SDGs, including education, healthcare, digital transformation, and climate change, among others.
How do you focus your efforts as Director of the CSD?
My own work supports global diplomacy and finance in support of the SDGs, the Paris Climate Agreement, and other international efforts for sustainable development. Among other activities, I am proud and honored to lead a worldwide network of universities on behalf of the UN Secretary General, known as the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, or SDSN. The purpose of SDSN is to foster solutions to achieve the SDGs through education, research, and public outreach activities. There are now more than 1,900 organizations, mainly universities, that are SDSN members.
“Among other activities, I am proud and honored to lead a worldwide network of universities on behalf of the UN Secretary General, known as the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, or SDSN. The purpose of SDSN is to foster solutions to achieve the SDGs through education, research, and public outreach activities. There are now more than 1,900 organizations, mainly universities, that are SDSN members.”
Will you discuss your views on the war in Ukraine and what you feel are the keys to bringing the war to an end?
The war is a proxy war between the U.S. and Russia. It was caused primarily by the desire of the U.S. Government to incorporate Ukraine into NATO. The European Union was also very clumsy by insisting that Ukraine should sign association agreements with the EU without also discussing those agreements with Russia, which is of course deeply interconnected economically, financially, and technologically with Ukraine. Still, NATO enlargement was and is the main reason for the war.
You first visited China in 1981. As you look back at the last four decades, how has China changed and what are your thoughts on China today?
China is of course an astounding success in raising economic prosperity and technological advancement – for a country of 1.4 billion people no less. I think that China’s success has a great ability to inform Africa’s own strategy for ending poverty, noting that Africa today – taking all 55 countries as a union – also has a population of 1.4 billion, like China.
“To achieve the SDGs, we need quickly to end the war in Ukraine – through negotiations, reduce the U.S.-China tensions, and channel hundreds of billions of dollars per year into additional sustainable investments in the developing countries.”
How concerned are you about U.S.-China relations and what needs to be done to move the relationship forward in a positive way?
The U.S. Government wants to lead the world. China doesn’t want the U.S. to lead, but to be a partner. This is the basic struggle. American leaders are arrogant, in my view, repeatedly insisting that the U.S. is and should be “Number 1.” If the U.S. leaders would be respectful of China, and respectful of the One China policy, the tensions between the U.S. and China would diminish. The two countries should engage in diplomacy, not an arms race.
Do you feel that U.S. foreign policy has evolved and adapted to address the current times and the challenges facing the world?
U.S. leaders are aiming for a U.S.-led, unipolar world. This concept was never justified, but is now wildly out of date and even dangerous.
“Most importantly, we need a political system at all levels – UN, regional, national, and local – that puts the priorities on sustainable development, and that sets the rules of the game for business, so that business objectives align with social needs.”
What will it take for the world to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030?
To achieve the SDGs, we need quickly to end the war in Ukraine – through negotiations, reduce the U.S.-China tensions, and channel hundreds of billions of dollars per year into additional sustainable investments in the developing countries. Most of all, the U.S. and Europe should stop the focus on expanding NATO and refocus on expanding healthcare, education, and zero-carbon energy around the world.
Do you believe that the fear of climate change is helping drive investment in sustainable development?
There is an uptake of zero-carbon energy systems, as is vitally important, but the uptake is too slow and inconsistent to date. We are still prioritizing geopolitical conflicts over sustainable development.
What do you see as the responsibility that leading companies have to be good corporate citizens and address societal need?
Most importantly, we need a political system at all levels – UN, regional, national, and local – that puts the priorities on sustainable development, and that sets the rules of the game for business, so that business objectives align with social needs. For example, businesses should be guided to zero-carbon energy solutions through a mix of regulation, carbon pricing, public investment, and forward-looking company strategy.
What do you feel are the keys to effective leadership?
Respect for others, honesty, transparency, and a clear vision of the public good.
What advice do you offer young people beginning their careers?
Do good. Become an expert or leader in an area in which you can be proud of your work and your contribution to society.
You have received many accolades and wide recognition for your work. Do you enjoy the process and take moments to reflect on what you have achieved?
I am deeply grateful for recognition that puts importance on global problem-solving. We have a lot of global problems, and not enough implementation of solutions. I therefore greatly appreciate when any organization gives recognition to the importance of peaceful, cooperative, global problem-solving.
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