Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development – A Promising Approach for Human Security in Fragile States?

Abstract

This article explores Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as an operational tool to promote a sustainable future for human security. Both scientific studies and policy documents were analysed to identify theoretical and practical challenges of human security from a PCSD perspective. Comparing those findings with information from expert interviews and literature on PCSD, I argue that the added value of the concept consists in its ability to deal with contradictory political interests at different stages of political decision making. The PCSD concept allows addressing synergies and nonintended effects of policies, which is particularly important in the sensitive context of violence and political transformation. Based on the analysis, my paper develops a new framework for analysing interlinked security and development challenges in fragile regions to overcome persistent shortcomings of both the human security and the PCSD concept.

Why serve soup with a fork?: How policy coherence for development can link environmental impact assessment with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

“…As stated above, PCD has been introduced in the 2030 Agenda in order to reconcile these tradeoffs by focusing on the establishment of interlinkages (see Zeigermann, 2020). For this reason, this article proposes that PCD be applied to EIA as evaluation criteria, potentially replacing cost-benefit logics.…”

The Contribution of Data-Driven Technologies in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

“…Far-reaching measures are needed, such as (1) comprehensive reduction in grain consumption across all channels, (2) effective intersectoral cooperation among national and regional organizations, and (3) allocation of public funds for intensification of agricultural production and development of industrial infrastructure [28]. To achieve zero hunger goals in the short and long term, the problem must be addressed at multiple levels: Robust policy making and policy implementation [29,30] are needed that ensure food supply by increasing agricultural productivity (target 2.3) and sustainable food production (target 2.4). In addition, efficient supply chain management is needed that can respond to short product life, large fluctuations in supply and demand, seasonal production, and quality issues (target 2.c) [31].…”

Sustainable Security: Revolution or Utopia?

“…According to the 2012 United Nations' General Assembly resolution, it is defined as: "the right of people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair. All individuals, particularly vulnerable people, are entitled to freedom from fear and freedom from want, with an equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential" (Zeigermann, 2020).…”

“…In the article on policy coherence for sustainable development, Zeigermann (2020) traces the relationship between the different types of human security and dimensions of sustainable development. Created in the context of fragile states, they are worth examining-particularly before any attempts to draft a sustainable security system are made.…”