Law and the 2030 Agenda: Strengthening Sustainable Development Through Legal Accountability

Goswami P.; Manrique J.I.T. · World Sustainability Series (2025) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-99605-4_14

Resumen

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to create a more equitable and sustainable world through its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While widely endorsed, its implementation faces significant challenges, particularly in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, where disparities persist. This study explores the extent to which the 2030 Agenda aligns with fundamental rights and examines the role of regional mechanisms in its execution. The key research question is: How effectively does the 2030 Agenda integrate fundamental rights, and what are the barriers to its implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean? Using a qualitative approach, the study analyses report from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the UN’s quadrennial progress assessments. It also reviews scholarly literature on governance, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements concerning the SDGs. Findings indicate that while the agenda promotes sustainability, its voluntary commitments limit enforcement. Key concerns include inadequate attention to environmental degradation, artificial intelligence, and governance. The COVID-19 pandemic has further hindered progress, deepening inequalities. The study concludes that stronger political will, mandatory compliance mechanisms, and broader stakeholder participation are essential for meaningful progression. Strengthening regional cooperation and addressing emerging challenges will be crucial to achieving the SDGs by 2030. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María