Jakarta. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The real impact of global funding for these goals must take precedence over economic gains.

This was emphasized by Tanoto Foundation CEO Benny Lee during a Thematic Session at the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (HLF-MSP) 2024 in Bali, on September 3, 2024. Organized by Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), the event aims to unite global efforts to address various global challenges.

With the theme "Strengthening MSP for Development: Towards Transformative Change," the forum brought together all stakeholders to create innovative solutions and take concrete actions that enable countries to make sustainable progress.

In the session "Scaling Up SDG Financing Effectiveness: Stronger Commitments, Greater Actions," Benny stated that the Tanoto Foundation is committed to providing impactful funding toward sustainable development.

"With less than six years until 2030, achieving the SDGs requires a multi-stakeholder approach to accelerate progress at the local level, while addressing the gap between SDG financing and program effectiveness," Benny explained.

Tanoto Foundation has initiated several collaborative programs, including the Partnership to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Indonesia (PASTI). This initiative aligns with the government’s target to reduce the prevalence of stunting among children. Through PASTI, the Foundation collaborates with various partners such as BKKBN, USAID, Amman Minerals, BCA, Bakti Barito, and Wahana Visi Indonesia.

This partnership provides funding to support the implementation of BKKBN’s programs for four years, starting in 2022. As a catalyst, Tanoto Foundation rallies financial support and oversees program design, area selection, and monitoring processes to ensure comprehensive impact.​​​

In addition to PASTI, Tanoto Foundation launched the SDG Academy Indonesia to strengthen internal and external capacities. Partnering with UNDP and Bappenas, this program has trained over 15,000 individuals and certified 400 SDG-aligned leaders. "To support SDG achievement, all stakeholders must have the capacity to realize these goals. Moreover, SDGs need to be localized to the specific context of each country. Through the SDG Academy Indonesia, we aim to enhance the capacities of non-state actors and promote best practices tailored to Indonesia’s needs," Benny added.

"Monitoring and evaluation are also critical elements. As a philanthropic organization, we strive to maximize the impact of every initiative. This is why we regularly monitor and evaluate our programs, ensuring continuous improvement for greater impact," Benny continued.

He further noted that collaboration goes beyond funding. "We have established partnerships not only to pool resources but also to share knowledge, experiences, and networks, complementing each other to achieve the goals of the partnership," Benny concluded.

Earlier in the HLF-MSP 2024 session, concerns were raised regarding the gap between commitments and tangible contributions in global funding, particularly for developing countries. For instance, only five countries from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) have consistently met their commitments. Similarly, in climate financing, developed nations only fulfilled their commitments in 2022-2023.

Several factors contribute to these challenges, including political motives and the lack of global standards to ensure the quantity and quality of funding. Discussions in this session emphasized that the four principles of effective global development financing—country ownership, focus on results, inclusive partnerships, and transparency and accountability—outlined in the Nairobi Document must be met.

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