Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem addresses The Citadel students on job opportunities – WCIV

Report on Homeland Security Engagement and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Fostering Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

A recent engagement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., highlighted the department’s role in strengthening national institutions and ensuring peace and justice. The discussion underscored the department’s commitment to combating organized crime and reinforcing law enforcement capabilities, which are central to SDG 16.

• Combating Illicit Activities: The Secretary emphasized the critical function of the U.S. Coast Guard in intercepting drug cartels operating in maritime zones. This action directly supports SDG Target 16.4, which aims to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows and combat all forms of organized crime.
• Strengthening National Institutions: The recruitment drive for 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which has attracted over 200,000 applications, represents a significant effort to build the capacity of key security institutions. This initiative aligns with SDG Target 16.6 to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.
• Institutional Resilience: The Secretary noted that the department’s mission continuity during a government shutdown demonstrates the resilience and dedication of its public servants, a cornerstone of strong and stable institutions.

Promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The event also served as a platform to promote career opportunities in public service, contributing to the goal of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all.

1. Youth Employment and Skills Development: The fireside chat with over 100 students provided direct insight into career paths within a major government department, supporting SDG Target 8.6 by promoting opportunities for youth employment and training.
2. Job Creation: The funding and initiative to hire 10,000 new ICE agents is a direct contribution to job creation, advancing the objectives of SDG 8 to foster sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

Advancing Partnerships for Quality Education and Gender Equality (SDG 4 & SDG 5)

The visit to The Citadel exemplifies a strategic partnership between government and academia, while also showcasing female leadership in the security sector.

• Partnerships for Education (SDG 4): The direct engagement between a cabinet-level secretary and students enhances the quality of education by providing practical knowledge and career-relevant information, aligning with SDG Target 4.4.
• Women in Leadership (SDG 5): Secretary Noem’s high-profile visit and leadership role serves as an example of women’s full and effective participation in public life, contributing to SDG Target 5.5, which seeks to ensure equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

Upholding Maritime Security and Life Below Water (SDG 14)

The discussion on the Coast Guard’s expanded role in maritime interdiction connects to the broader goal of conserving and sustainably using the oceans.

• Enforcing Maritime Law: By securing maritime borders against illicit cartel operations, the Coast Guard helps implement international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This enforcement is crucial for maintaining order and supports the framework of SDG Target 14.c, which aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues connected to two Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This goal is central to the article, which focuses on the functions of national security institutions like Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, and ICE. The discussion on combating drug cartels and strengthening law enforcement capacity directly relates to building effective and accountable institutions and promoting safety.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article highlights efforts in job creation and recruitment within a government department. The mention of hiring 10,000 new ICE agents and engaging with students about career opportunities connects directly to promoting employment.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.

  The article directly addresses this target by describing efforts to bolster national security bodies. The funding and expansion of Homeland Security, ICE, and the Coast Guard are measures to strengthen these institutions. Secretary Noem’s statement about the Coast Guard being “the front line for making sure that we’re stopping them [drug cartels]” illustrates a direct action to combat organized crime by strengthening a national institution.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people…

  This target is relevant due to the significant recruitment effort mentioned. The statement, “For the 10,000 new ICE, agents that we have been funded in order to hire and to deploy across the country,” points to a direct government initiative to create a large number of new jobs, contributing to national employment goals.

• Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

  Although the 2020 deadline has passed, the principle of this target is addressed. The event itself, a “fireside chat about potential job opportunities” held with “over 100 students… at The Citadel,” is an explicit effort to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people, encouraging them to enter the workforce.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

Indicators for SDG 16 Targets

• Indicator for Target 16.a: The article provides clear financial and human resource indicators for strengthening national institutions.
  • Financial Resources: The department’s budget is stated as “around 55 to $65 billion a year, and then they give you another $150 billion to spend,” indicating the level of financial commitment to its operations.
  • Institutional Capacity: The plan “to hire and to deploy” “10,000 new ICE, agents” is a direct numerical indicator of increased human resource capacity to combat crime.

Indicators for SDG 8 Targets

• Indicator for Target 8.5: The article provides specific numbers related to job creation.
  • New Job Creation: The creation of “10,000 new ICE, agents” positions is a direct indicator of employment growth.
  • Labor Market Response: The fact that “we crossed the 200,000-application mark” for these 10,000 jobs serves as an indicator of labor market dynamics and interest in public sector employment.
• Indicator for Target 8.6: The engagement with students provides a qualitative indicator.
  • Youth Engagement: The event where Secretary Noem was “engaging with students at The Citadel in a fireside chat about potential job opportunities” serves as an indicator of initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment by connecting education with career paths.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abcnews4.com