LETTERS: SDGs and private sector

This is with reference to the article “Business Coalition for SDGs: Call for action” by Sophie Kemkhadze (THT, November 20, Page 8).

The article tried to depict the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of private sector in helping the goal succeed. The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

As Sophie stated in the article, the estimate of about $2.5 trillion per year is required to make SDGs a success. However a latest finding shows that $4.5 trillion per year is required to make SDGs a success. This substantial amount of money is difficult for even the private sector and government to accumulate as the goal suggests. One simple approach from the private sector is not going to meet with the SDGs need. Instead private sectors have to collaborate and work together to fulfill the need of SDGs from the private sector. Private sectors have to watch carefully the code of conduct and guidelines of the World Summit to cooperate and help make SDGs a success.

Additionally, from what we have seen in the past, the private sectors, mostly businesses, engage in Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR) only if it makes business sense. They only care about the marketing hype and improved public perception that they’re going to benefit from it. As some might even say CSR by the private sector is a planned and executed investment.

Shankar Tiwari, Kathford College

Nepali cricket

Kudos to the young Nepali cricketers who created history in the international arena by displaying an impressive performance in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup tournament.

The Nepali cricketers deserve applause for their outstanding performance in the tournament as Nepal progressed to the maiden semi-final spot. The stunning victory over the cricketing powerhouse, India, is a noteworthy aspect that is surely going to be cherished for many years to come. Needless to say, success in sports is a source of national pride.

Despite the fact that Nepal became unable to break the jinx by falling to Afghanistan and yet again Nepal crashed out of the semis, the Nepali players won the hearts of many cricket fans residing within the country as well as in the far-flung countries of the world. There’s a famous quote, “Some defeats have more dignity than victory.” And Nepali cricketers have proved the gist of this saying via their mesmeric performance in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

It’s not that Nepal has a dearth of quality players. The harsh reality is that many talents have just become a waste. We don’t lack sports-lovers and fans but we lack sports-loving governments.  One of the main reasons why Nepal has not been able to make tremendous strides in competitive international level sports is the government’s apathy and negligence.

Moreover, in the context of Nepal, players do not feel secure of their career in sports in terms of financial prospects. Adequate budget must be allocated by the government for the development of the sports sector. A myriad of unresolved issues need to be addressed in order to ameliorate this precarious situation.

Sanjog Karki, Tansen