SDGs – time to bring youth into the frame

Alliance’s special feature in our September 2023 issue looked at philanthropy’s contribution to the SDGs

Stefan Germann from Fondation Botnar comments: 

Alliance’s latest feature (Understanding SDG-speak, September 2023) reminds us that we are at the halfway point of the SDGs. Data shows that we are off-track in realising most of the Global Goals despite tireless effort. Philanthropy now has a key role to play in re-energising localised action to secure stronger participation from communities. 

This important role was rightly pointed out by Alliance’s guest editors, Emilia González and Rodrigo Villar. They argued that philanthropy can strengthen local capacities, thereby fuelling urgency and collaboration. I would add to this job description one critical assignment: closing the generational divide. The SDG vision and principles were set out by leaders with almost no dialogue with the generation who make up almost two billion people of the world we are currently shaping. Despite representing more than a quarter of the global population, young people are overlooked in policy-making.  

Through our work at Fondation Botnar, I have seen firsthand how local youth can take issues into their own hands to deliver concrete solutions that work for them and their local communities. They are resourceful, tech-savvy and future-focused.  

Philanthropy can and should focus on partnering meaningfully with young people to help deliver a world fit for the future. These can include grants for pooled funds, participatory evaluation and advocacy, and shared and new governance mechanisms. 

The future of philanthropy is here! 

How do we realise the full potential of a more strategically directed philanthropy to drive large-scale social change? Commissioned by Emirati philanthropist Badr Jafar, The Future of Philanthropy report 2023 shines new light on giving worldwide. To mark its launch, Alliance hosted philanthropists from around the world at a specially convened webinar. Here’s what you made of it: 

‘It is estimated that more than $5 trillion of wealth in the top 30 growing economies, which includes the MENA region, will be passed from one generation to the next within the next decade. This next generation of philanthropists is reshaping the practice of giving by demanding more data, hands-on approaches and embracing boundary-blurring technological innovations to achieve greater impact.’ Badr Jafar
Crescent Enterprises, UAE 

‘We’ve seen a steady improvement on philanthropic data, mainly coming from philanthropists in India. As more data is shared, even if patchy at first, it is resulting in an increasing number of people in India ready to provide data regarding their philanthropy, which is helpful in addressing civil society challenges.’
Rohini Nilekani
Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, India 

‘Government is such an important stakeholder, because they have the biggest resources. By partnering with the government, we are able to work with schools across South Africa. It may be challenging at times, but very rewarding when successful.’
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
Motsepe Foundation, South Africa 

 ‘In Singapore and much of Southeast Asia, working with the government is still at its infancy. Philanthropy is currently too slow and too safe, with the first generation often holding back the next generations of donors. However, I am optimistic that there are enough people saying the right things and having the intent to disrupt.’
Laurence Lien
Lien Foundation and Asia Philanthropy Circle, Singapore 

To see more from the webinar, go to: alliancemagazine.org/future-of-philanthropy