Five Missions for the Transformative Development of Brazil

In March 2022, the Brazilian Development Association (Associação Brasileira de Desenvolvimento – ABDE) launched the ABDE 2030 Sustainable Development Plan with public policy proposals to catalyze $380 billion in investments by 32 institutions of the National Development System (Sistema Nacional de Fomento – SNF) for the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan used an interdisciplinary and non-Eurocentric epistemological theoretical approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis tools aligned with recommendations of the UN. 

The first part of the plan assessed the state of implementation of the SDGs in Brazil and the contribution of the SNF to its environmental, social, economic and institutional dimensions. The second part proposed five strategic missions for the transformative development of Brazil and measures to strengthen the institutional structure and coordination of the SNF with a view to accelerating and scaling the implementation of the SDGs in the country. Both the assessment of the SDGs and the strategic missions innovate in methodological terms, putting Brazil at the frontier of planning for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda’s financing pillar. 

A new journal article in Revista Tempo do Mundo by Luma Ramos Karin Vazquez, Cristina Reis, Joao Prates Romero, Fernanda Cimini and Marcio Alvarenga describes the methodology and the key findings from the study underpinning the ABDE 2030 Sustainable Development Plan, helping contribute to its replication in Brazil and abroad.

Key findings:

• SDG compliance is seriously compromised in Brazil. The recent study shows that seven of the 17 goals have regressed or are not on the path to compliance by 2030, eight are stagnant and only one has advanced or is fulfilled. 
• The most critical SDGs are poverty eradication (SDG 1), the promotion of decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), the reduction of inequalities (SDG 10) and peace, justice and effective institutions (SDG 16).
• The implementation of SGDs demands a national governance structure mechanism with a clear mandate and resources for public agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and financial development institutions to mainstream, finance and monitor the 2030 Agenda.
• SNF is central to promoting the SDGs in Brazil, financing public policies, acting in an anti-cyclical manner, fostering strategic sectors, contributing to the structuring of projects and inducing development policies. In addition, this action can be leveraged and have a more significant impact when articulating public policies.

Advancing compliance with the SDGs means inclusiveness, improving the quality of life, a more productive and efficient economy, a protected and stable environment and a more sustainable future for the planet. The authors suggest it is urgent to resume this agenda to guide Brazil’s reconstruction and transformation process.