Towards A Better and Sustainable Tomorrow: The Importance of Regulatory Framework and Reform

Munir, Abu Bakar; Muhammad Sukki, Firdaus

Abstract

Sustainability has many different definitions, but its essence was articulated by the Brundtland Commission tasked by the UN to formulate a global agenda for change: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This driving principle was embraced by all nations when 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015, forming a blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

To reinvent a future that is more sustainable, according to the PWC, governments around the world must address six core challenges, with a focus on reducing inequality and promoting shared prosperity: economy, healthcare, education, national safety and security, climate and trust in government. In this respect, asked to consider what life will be like in 2025 in the wake of the outbreak of the global pandemic and other crises in 2020, some 915 innovators, developers, business and policy leaders, researchers and activists responded. Notable shares of these respondents foresee significant change that will: worsen economic inequality, enhance the power of big technology firms and multiply the spread of misinformation.

As the OECD puts it, governments face a range of challenges as they emerge from the crisis. They need to put their economies back on the path to sustainable growth and find ways to address complex and interrelated policy areas, anticipate and manage risks more effectively, and regain the trust of their citizens. Effective regulation can provide strong support for meeting these challenges. Ineffective regulation, conversely, will slow recovery, inhibit growth, undermine efforts to address complex issues such as climate change, and reinforce citizens’ scepticism of government.

This paper argues that an enabling legal framework is a precondition for achieving the SDGs at national level. It identifies the SDGs, its targets and indicators that require regulatory reforms. Before doing so, the paper deliberates on the regulatory policy or Good Regulatory Practices (GRP). Finally, the paper provides some specific instances of situations that warrant effecting SDG-enabling law reforms.

Citation

Munir, A. B., & Muhammad Sukki, F. (2023, May). Towards A Better and Sustainable Tomorrow: The Importance of Regulatory Framework and Reform. Paper presented at 9th Annual International Academic Conference, Kuwait International Law School (KILAW), Kuwait

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 9th Annual International Academic Conference
• Start Date: May 3, 2023
• End Date: May 4, 2023
• Deposit Date: Sep 2, 2023
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3182407