The report, Infrastructure: Underpinning Sustainable Development, is the result of extensive research into the influence that both ‘networked infrastructure’ (water, waste, energy, digital communications and transport infrastructure) and ‘non-networked infrastructure’ (buildings and facilities) have on all 17 SDGs. It highlights the need to understand infrastructure as an integrated system of systems – the interdependencies across sectors requires us to break down the ‘silo mentality’ in infrastructure development.
Focusing on real-life projects implemented by UNOPS around the world, the report finds that infrastructure projects can have multiple effects across several SDGs and their targets. It found that networked infrastructure influences 72 percent of SDG targets, while non-networked infrastructure influences 81 percent of targets – reinforcing the pivotal role that infrastructure will play towards attaining the SDGs.
Introducing the report, UNOPS Executive Director Grete Faremo said: “Infrastructure, in particular, underpins all of the SDGs. It plays a critical role in society because it can influence development far into the future — both positively and negatively. This is why it is vital to understand the influence that infrastructure systems have on the SDGs.
“We are proud to present this report together with Oxford/ITRC, and to reaffirm our commitment to helping people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.”
Read and download the report: Infrastructure Underpinning Sustainable Development
Original source: UNOPS
Published on 22 October 2018
