Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank too intertwined with Beijing, former communications head says

Sustainable Development Goals and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

Introduction

Bob Pickard, a Canadian who recently quit the top communications job at the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, says his time there confirmed for him that the multilateral institution is a tool of the Chinese government, something he had previously thought was an unfair stereotype.

“I went into the job with the greatest of aspirations to take what I thought was a misunderstood institution and correct what I thought was a mistaken image,” said Mr. Pickard, a 30-year veteran of the public relations industry who began working for the bank as its director general of communications in early 2022 and departed in June.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Sustainable Development Goals

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, based in Beijing, is an organization of more than 100 nations dedicated to working on Asian development projects in the common interest. It aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to achieve a more sustainable future for all.

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

     • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
     • Indicator: Presence of corruption and bribery in public institutions

  2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     • Target 17.15: Enhance global partnership for sustainable development
     • Indicator: Extent of international cooperation to developing countries in achieving their sustainable development goals

  Analysis

  The article highlights issues related to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and its alleged connection to the Chinese government. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

  1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

  The article discusses the control of the AIIB by Beijing’s ruling class and its use as a tool to serve China’s geopolitical ambitions. This raises concerns about the effectiveness, accountability, and transparency of the institution, which are key aspects of SDG 16.

  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
  • Indicator: Presence of corruption and bribery in public institutions

  The allegations made by Bob Pickard regarding the AIIB’s control by the Chinese government suggest a lack of transparency and accountability within the institution, which goes against the target of developing effective and transparent institutions.

  2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article mentions Canada’s membership in the AIIB and the recommendation by Bob Pickard for Canada to quit the institution. This raises questions about the effectiveness of global partnerships and cooperation for sustainable development, which are key aspects of SDG 17.

  • Target 17.15: Enhance global partnership for sustainable development
  • Indicator: Extent of international cooperation to developing countries in achieving their sustainable development goals

  The recommendation to quit the AIIB reflects a potential lack of confidence in the effectiveness of global partnerships, particularly in light of China’s political interference and aggression. This raises questions about the extent of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

  Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions	Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels	Presence of corruption and bribery in public institutions
  SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.15: Enhance global partnership for sustainable development	Extent of international cooperation to developing countries in achieving their sustainable development goals

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: theglobeandmail.com

   

  

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