The SDGs: Nurturing what we planted

 

As every educated child knows, once you’ve produced a seedling, there’s a lot of work to do to raise the plant.

 

It’s going to need sunlight, good soil and lots of water.

 

World Vision planted a seed by making a major pledge to the health of children and women in 2010.

 

We promised our contribution to the Secretary General’s Every Woman Every Child campaign would be worth US$1.5 billion over five years.

 

We made ourselves independently accountable for that spending. After five years, we had exceeded our promise.

 

It is extraordinary how wide and deep the impact of this strategy has been. Millions of children owe their improved well-being to it.

 

Now, in 2016, we are joining many others in a leadership role pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The creation of a High-Level Advisory Group is a welcome step to inform the way forward.

 

The group will be chaired by Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, and Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, with other members representing government, the business community, philanthropists, young people and civil society [see below for the full list].

 

Through my membership, I intend to speak up for development and humanitarian agencies, child-focused issues and the faith community.

 

This is a great opportunity for World Vision and our partners and supporters to make progress on our vision of life in all its fullness for every child.

 

It will be a wonderful opportunity to influence others to help fulfil our vision of life in all its fullness for every child.

 

Our participation in the UN’s new initiative is possible because of the long-term dedication of sponsors, donors and those who campaign alongside us.

 

Thank you to all who have made World Vision part of your ministry to the most vulnerable children in the world.

 

• My photograph of seedling nurture is from an excellent innovation in use in Lipiri, Malawi. The borehole in Chankhwa village (visible in the background) is sustainable because of gardens which have been planted around it. Everyone using the supply helps water and tend the gardens. The crop is sold to raise money to maintain and repair the borehole. These children will grow up with healthy water, sanitation and hygiene – and a better understanding of how a community can work together for sustainable development.