The Untapped Potential of Women for Sustainable Peace in Resource Regions

Participant Stakeholders: United Nations University, Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS); The University of Queensland, Business School 
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Sustainability Leaders: Dr. Isabel B. Franco;  E. Derbyshire (Australia)

Impact: This chapter makes a strong contribution to SDG 16 as it examines the role of women and livelihood options in fostering sustainable peace. Research was conducted in rural communities in the vicinity of Risaralda, Colombia, a resource-rich region. The results obtained are important as they provide insights into the heterogeneous composition of communities, particularly women and their identities, which explains contrasting perceptions toward project development. Secondly, outcomes entail a practical dimension which suggests that in the process of assessment, development and management of resources, differences related to community identity, religion and context-based factors must be recognized and taken into account to foster sustainable peace and overall regional sustainability. 
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Implementing the 2030 Agenda in Asia and the Pacific: Insights from Voluntary National Reviews ​


Sustainability Leaders: Dr. Isabel B. Franco, L. Sarmento Dos Muchangos (Mozambique); M. Okitasari (Indonesia); R. Mishra (India); R. Sunam (Nepal); N. Kanie (Japan); M. Suzuki (Japan); A. Mahat (Nepal).

Participant Stakeholders: United Nations University-Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, Keio University, Sophia University, Australia National University, United Nations High Level Political Forum
 
Impact: Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have made impressive progress in developing institutional arrangements for the 2030 Agenda, and mainstreaming SDGs into their national frameworks and budgets. Many countries are facing initial challenges in developing inclusive and collaborative governance frameworks and localising the SDGs. Some of the recommendations derived from this project are as follows:
·      Develop and foster an inclusive, collaborative governance structure by accommodating multiple actors and sectors, and instituting mechanisms for coordination while transcending bureaucratic boundaries.
·      Strengthen or establish a national body with the legitimacy, authority, and capacity to lead and coordinate efforts to achieve the SDGs.
·      Accelerate the localisation of the 2030 Agenda by raising awareness of the SDGs at all subnational levels, prioritizing and reflecting SDGs in subnational plans, and promoting multi- stakeholder partnerships to engage local actors, including women, indigenous peoples, and marginalised groups.
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Our Founder Dr. Isabel B. Franco participated in the development of the project with colleagues and other Exceptional Women in Sustainability.
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Angola’s Mining Alignment to Achieve the Africa Mining Vision (AMV)

Sustainability Leaders: Dr. Isabel B. Franco; UNDP Angola
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Participant Stakeholders: CATOCA Diamond Mining Company, ENDIAMA, UNDP executive team, Minister of Geology and Mines of Angola, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Ministry Education, United Nations General Assembly.

Impact: The Angolan extractive industry has undergone a transformation leading the way to sustainable development. Yet, there are further alignments to be undertaken necessitating cooperation of all involved stakeholders. Currently, the extractive industry of Angola is aligned with its regional policy, however there are further adjustments to be made to meet requirements of the African Mining Vision (AMV). Under the guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Dr. Isabel Franco’s study “A Review of Alignment between national Extractives Legislation and Policy and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV)” outlines recommendations to conduct Angola’s alignment to meet the AMV’s goals. The study is conducted under the guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Angola has capacity- building gaps especially at the government level. This requires a transition from artisanal mining towards small-scale mining. Also, more efficient geological information systems need to be put in place along with further capacity expansion in research and development in this area. The study illustrates the need for economic diversification, social and environmental sustainability and human capital capacity- building. Recommendations to attain these goals are ways to improve the existing taxation, investment and governance schemes, yet all essential stakeholders and institutions need to work together to succeed on the path to the Africa Mining Vision. Our Founder Dr. Isabel B. Franco led the project in collaboration with the UNDP at the UN headquarters in Angola, Africa. For further information will be published in the UN report on AMV.
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