The greatest inventors of the 21st Century will not be those who develop the greatest machines, for the era of Industrial Revolution and Computer Age have already commenced, but those who will invent sound policies and decision making strategies for the betterment of humanity.
Effective policy formulation is a crucial catalyst for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the 2030 deadline approaches, it is imperative to regularly evaluate and recalibrate our progress toward these objectives.
The adage “When elephants fight, the grass suffers” aptly illustrates the plight of children in the wake of parental incarceration. In many developing nations, countless youths endure severe poverty as a consequence of their parents’ imprisonment. It is estimated that each year, approximately 310,000 children in the UK and Wales are impacted by parental incarceration. Worldwide, millions of children have an incarcerated parent, with around 19,000 children living in prisons, typically with their mothers. The predicament is dire in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs), where children from households with an imprisoned breadwinner face extreme deprivation, lacking essential education, healthcare, and nutrition. This deprivation is a primary driver of poverty, directly relating to SDG 1, No Poverty. Children deprived of basic education and necessities face a daunting path to recovery, often perpetuating a cycle of failure across generations.
Women raised in homes devoid of paternal presence are more vulnerable to various abuses, including sexual harassment and societal underrepresentation. Establishing a stable family environment becomes a formidable challenge. When mothers are incarcerated, the integrity of family structures is often compromised.
Without robust policies to support families in crisis, the battle against SDG 1 (No Poverty) may seem endless. Inclusion merits recognition as a standalone SDG. I propose the addition of several goals to the existing 17 SDGs, which merit consideration to ensure the continued focus on achieving the SDGs.
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