AAF Exchange — Ep. 179: Housing (Un)affordability, Climate Strategy, and Drug Markets – The American Action Forum

Policy Discussion on Key Sustainable Development Goals

Housing Affordability and Sustainable Urban Development

• A discussion led by Fred Ashton, Director of Competition Policy, focused on the critical issue of housing affordability as a cornerstone for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Alignment with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The primary focus is on Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing. The discussion explores policy mechanisms to make urban development more inclusive and sustainable.
2. Impact on SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The report analyzes how the lack of affordable housing perpetuates poverty cycles and exacerbates social and economic inequalities, hindering progress towards these fundamental goals.
3. Role of Competition Policy: An examination of how competition policy can be leveraged to lower construction costs, increase housing supply, and ultimately contribute to the realization of sustainable and equitable urban communities.

Global Climate Strategy and Climate Action

• Shuting Pomerleau, Director of Energy and Environment Policy, presents an analysis of global climate strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts to meet the objectives of SDG 13 (Climate Action).

1. Centrality of SDG 13 (Climate Action): The discussion addresses comprehensive strategies to combat climate change and its impacts, integrating climate action into national policies and planning.
2. Synergies with SDG 7 and SDG 12: The report highlights the interconnectedness of climate strategy with the transition to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and the promotion of responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12).
3. Global Cooperation for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): An assessment of the necessity for international collaboration and robust partnerships to implement effective global climate solutions and support developing nations.

Pharmaceutical Market Competition and Global Health

• The session with Michael Baker, Director of Health Care Policy, addresses competition within the pharmaceutical market and its direct implications for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

1. Achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The core of the discussion is Target 3.8, which calls for universal access to safe, effective, and affordable essential medicines. The report examines how market competition is a critical driver for this target.
2. Addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The analysis covers how competitive drug markets can reduce disparities in healthcare access, ensuring that life-saving treatments are not limited to the affluent, thereby promoting greater equity.
3. Policy Frameworks for Health Outcomes: An evaluation of health care policies designed to stimulate competition, foster innovation, and ensure that pharmaceutical markets contribute positively to global public health objectives outlined in the SDGs.

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Based on the topics mentioned in the article, the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are addressed:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article’s mention of a discussion on “drug market competition” directly relates to SDG 3. Competition in the pharmaceutical market is a key factor in ensuring the availability and affordability of essential medicines, which is a cornerstone of achieving good health and well-being for all.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The topic of “housing affordability” is a central issue within SDG 11. This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, with a specific focus on ensuring access to adequate and affordable housing for everyone.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The reference to a “global climate strategy” explicitly connects to SDG 13. This goal calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, which necessitates the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies at national and global levels.

2. Specific SDG Targets

The article’s content points to the following specific targets under the identified SDGs:

• Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

  The discussion on “drug market competition” is directly aimed at achieving the part of this target related to “affordable essential medicines.” A competitive market is a primary mechanism for driving down drug prices and increasing access for the population.

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

  The topic of “housing affordability” is the core component of this target. The discussion mentioned in the article would explore policies and challenges related to ensuring everyone can access affordable housing.

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

  A “global climate strategy,” as mentioned in the article, is the direct subject of this target. It involves the creation and implementation of comprehensive plans to address climate change, which are then integrated into broader national and international policy frameworks.

3. Relevant Indicators

The article does not explicitly mention any quantitative indicators. However, the topics of discussion strongly imply the relevance of specific indicators used to measure progress toward the identified targets:

• Implied Indicator for Target 3.8

  The discussion of “drug market competition” implies a focus on the price and accessibility of medicines. This can be measured by indicators such as 3.b.2: Proportion of the population with access to affordable medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis. Progress in drug market competition would be reflected in this indicator.

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.1

  The concept of “housing affordability” implies the need to measure the proportion of the population that can secure housing without financial strain. This relates to Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing, as a lack of affordability is a primary reason for inadequate housing conditions.

• Implied Indicator for Target 13.2

  A “global climate strategy” implies the existence of formal plans and policies. Progress is measured by Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change… The discussion in the article would revolve around the content and effectiveness of such strategies.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: americanactionforum.org