Abstract
This paper presents findings from a mixed methods study on the interlinkages between the COVID-19 pandemic and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the community level. Canada, a UN Member State, has adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is a shared global model for partnership and prosperity. The pandemic has presented significant challenges that could stymie Canada’s progress in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs. In partnership with the Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes Toronto, a leading an essential social service provider, surveys and individual interviews were conducted with 20 service providers and 20 clients to understand how the pandemic has impacted or shaped the capability of vulnerable communities to negotiate their health, well-being (SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being) and access nutrition (SDG 2 Food Security); and to channel the knowledge and insights gained to develop a methodology and evaluative criteria for the establishment of sustainable partnerships between NGOs and community stakeholders (SDGs 11 Sustainable Cities and (Inclusive and Resilient) Communities & 17 Sustainable Partnerships). Analytically, the study drew on perspectives of targeted universalism, resilience, and sustainability to analyze participants’ narratives. Findings highlight that global challenges are indeed local challenges that require integrated approaches directed at strengthening organizational capacity and service provider/service user agency so solutions based on recovery and community resilience can be surfaced quickly. Further, findings point to the need to facilitate stakeholder partnerships and dialogue between service providers and beneficiaries (stakeholder communities) if SDGs are to be achieved.
Presenters
Shamette HepburnAssociate Professor, School of Social Work, York University, Ontario, Canada Uwafiokun Idemudia
Professor, Social Science, York Univeristy, Ontario, Canada Mary Goitom
Associate Professor, Social Work, York University, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus: Agency in an Era of Displacement and Social Change
KEYWORDS
Sustainable Development Goals, COVID-19, Recovery, Community Resilience, Applied Research
