PL32XX RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

ADINDA ALNUR ANGELICA 15414064

Despite rising numbers in the rate of urbanization, roughly three billion people still live in rural
areas. Conditions for them are known to be far worse than that of their urban counterparts.
Measured by almost any indicator, from extreme poverty, to child mortality and access to basic
infrastructure, lack of development is found to be pervasive especially in developing countries. This
situation, apparently, still exists despite the supposed success of the Millenium Development Goals.

Following the conclusion of the Millenium Development Goals in 2015, the Sustainable Development
Goals have been adopted as a new globally-shared normative framework for development.
Skepticism have been raised on whether or not these newly set-up goals would be of any relevance,
and how it would differ from its predecessor in bearing promising results. However, the outcomes
yielded from the implementation of the Millenium Development Goals should be seen as a
momentum to further promote equality and equity for all. Besides, the Sustainable Development
Goals are designed to be more applicable for both developing and developed countries, in regards
to the failures of the Millenium Development Goals on achieving significant success in least-
developed regions. These goals are elaborated into 169 targets, and are accompanied by a set of
indicators and monitoring framework. Furthermore, a goal-based approach to planning may unite
the global community and mobilize stakeholder, promote integrated thinking, create a common
ground for the definition and scope of sustainable development as well as support long-term
approaches towards sustainable development so there really is nothing to lose. The Sustainable
Development Goals will push nations to analyze and pursue these goals with full regard to the three
dimensions of sustainable development economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental
sustainability.

Therefore, rural development should be done while considering the Sustainable Development
Goals, but most importantly, the three dimensions of sustainable development. Most of these goals
are able to be translated directly to rural development. Goals that may feel immediately relevant for
rural development would perhaps include goal number 1, No Poverty; 2, Zero Hunger; 3, Good
Health and Well-Being; 4, Quality Education; 6, Clean Water and Sanitation; 8, Decent Work and
Economic Growth; 10, Reduced Inequalities; 14, Life Below Water; and 15, Life on Land. Nonetheless,
all seventeen goals are an important component in building a more sustainable rural environment
and community.