Report on British Army’s Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

Fostering Inclusive Institutions and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10, SDG 16)

A recent address by General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, underscores a strategic initiative within the British Army to align its institutional practices with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking at a graduation parade for 720 Junior Soldiers at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, General Walker issued a direct mandate for personnel to actively contribute to building a more just and inclusive institution.

• Call to Action: New soldiers were instructed to challenge and report all instances of racism, sexism, homophobia, and misogyny.
• Institutional Integrity (SDG 16): General Walker identified such behaviours as corrosive to trust, which he termed “the most precious of soldierly commodities.” This initiative directly supports the objective of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10): The explicit directive to combat discrimination based on race and sexual orientation is a clear commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion within the military.

Advancing Gender Equality (SDG 5)

The speech placed significant emphasis on creating a safe and respectful environment for all personnel, a core tenet of SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

• Combating Misogyny: The specific instruction to call out misogyny and sexism addresses critical targets within SDG 5, aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women.
• Upholding Standards: This focus is reinforced by recent events, including the resignation of a senior naval officer for breaching service standards, highlighting the institution’s commitment to accountability. By tackling these issues, the Army aims to ensure a workplace free from abuse, which “betrays what we stand for.”

Commitment to Quality Education and Decent Work (SDG 4, SDG 8)

The graduation event itself highlights the Army’s role in providing structured development pathways for young people, aligning with goals for quality education, skill development, and decent work.

1. Phase One Training (SDG 4): The Army Foundation College provides basic training for 16 and 17-year-old recruits, instilling discipline and foundational skills, which contributes to inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
2. Phase Two Specialisation (SDG 8): Graduates proceed to specialised training centres, such as the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick or the RAC Centre in Bovington, to prepare for specific careers. This structured progression supports productive employment and decent work for all.

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who attended the event, noted the parallels between the young soldiers and elite athletes, remarking on the importance of discipline and training in helping young people realise their full potential. His observations reinforce the value of the Army’s training programmes in fostering personal and professional growth.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

   The article directly addresses issues related to three Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on institutional culture, equality, and justice within the British Army.

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality

     This goal is relevant due to the explicit call from General Sir Roly Walker to “call out… sexism… and misogyny.” This directly addresses the need to combat discrimination and abuse targeted at women within a major institution. The mention of the First Sea Lord’s resignation over a relationship with a subordinate also touches upon power dynamics and potential exploitation, which are central concerns of SDG 5.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The speech’s directive to “call out racism… [and] homophobia” connects directly to SDG 10. The goal aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries by promoting the inclusion of all, irrespective of race or other status. The General’s message is a clear policy action to foster an inclusive environment and eliminate discriminatory practices within the military.

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

     This goal is fundamentally linked as the article discusses efforts to strengthen a key state institution—the army. General Walker’s speech is an attempt to build a more “effective, accountable and transparent” institution by tackling corrosive behaviors. He states that abuse “corrode[s] trust, and that is the most precious of soldierly commodities,” highlighting the focus on improving institutional integrity and promoting a culture of justice and accountability.

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

   The article’s content aligns with several specific targets under the identified SDGs.

   • Targets for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

     • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The General’s command to fight “sexism” and “misogyny” is a direct effort to eliminate gender-based discrimination within the army.
     • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres… and other types of exploitation. The call to end “all forms of abuse” and “misogyny” addresses psychological violence and aims to prevent exploitation within the military’s hierarchical structure.

   • Targets for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

     • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social… inclusion of all, irrespective of… race… or other status. The speech’s condemnation of “racism” and “homophobia” is an explicit action to promote the social inclusion of all soldiers, regardless of their background or identity.
     • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory… practices and promoting appropriate… policies and action. The General’s speech itself is a high-level policy action aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices within the army.

   • Targets for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)

     • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence… everywhere. The instruction to “call out… all forms of abuse” is a direct measure to reduce violence and abuse within the institution.
     • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The core message of the speech is to build “trust” by creating a more accountable culture where soldiers are empowered to “call out” wrongdoing, thereby strengthening the institution’s integrity.

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

   The article does not provide quantitative data but implies several qualitative and quantitative indicators for measuring progress.

   • Indicators for SDG 5 & 10 Targets

     • Implied Indicator: The number of reported incidents of discrimination and abuse. The General’s plea for soldiers to “call out racism, sexism, homophobia and misogyny” implies that a key metric for success would be the tracking and reduction of such incidents. An increase in reporting could initially indicate increased trust in the system, followed by a decrease as the behaviors themselves diminish.
     • Implied Indicator: Proportion of personnel reporting they have experienced or witnessed discrimination or abuse. Surveys within the military could measure the prevalence of these behaviors, providing a direct indicator for Targets 5.1 and 10.3.

   • Indicators for SDG 16 Targets

     • Implied Indicator: Perceptions of institutional trust. General Walker explicitly states that behaviors like sexism and racism “corrode trust.” Therefore, progress towards Target 16.6 could be measured through surveys assessing the level of trust soldiers have in their peers, their superiors, and the institution as a whole.
     • Implied Indicator: Number of personnel held accountable for abuse or misconduct. The article’s reference to the resignation of the First Sea Lord for breaching service standards serves as an example of accountability. Tracking the rate at which personnel at all levels are held accountable for such actions would be an indicator of a stronger, more just institution.

4. Summary Table of Findings

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Implied from Article)
   SDG 5: Gender Equality	5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls… including… exploitation.	Number of reported incidents of sexism, misogyny, and gender-based abuse within the military.
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of race or other status. 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity… by eliminating discriminatory practices.	Number of reported incidents of racism and homophobia. Proportion of personnel feeling the institution is inclusive.
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.	Measurement of the level of “trust” within the military through personnel surveys. Number of personnel held accountable for misconduct and abuse.

Source: forcesnews.com