Embedding sustainability in a government programme

[Celerity]

Sustainability is a global task largely to be delivered by national governments. What can they learn from the leader—Finland?

https://www.socialeurope.eu/embedding-sustainability-in-a-government-programme


In integrating ecology concretely into its operation, Finland’s government led by Sanna Marin merits wider European engagement

The title of the Finnish government programme, Inclusive and competent Finland—a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable society, makes clear that sustainable development is at its core. This goal is not only ambitious but has been threatened by global turmoil, from the pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine to escalating energy and food prices. So is the government delivering?

There are two ways to answer this question. The theory-of-change approach, emerging from the literature on the management of not-for-profit organisations, focuses attention on whether the government has a coherent plan of implementation. Theory of change has been described as ‘essentially a comprehensive description and an illustration of why and how a desired change is going to happen in a given context’. It is a useful analytical tool to evaluate complex challenges, such as the development issues first recognised in the United Nations Charter.

It is often said that governments work in a more complex environment today, as economies and societies become more integrated and the amount of information increases. This strains governments’ capacities. Successful implementation of a programme thus requires effective use of administrative capacities. The governance-capacity approach, of Martin Lodge and Kai Wegrich, addresses whether the government has these capacities, in terms of analysis, regulation, delivery and co-ordination.

Systematically monitored

The UN sustainable-development goals (SDGs) in its Agenda 2030 provide a wide knowledge base, larger than one government’s endeavours. Their implementation in Finland is monitored by a set of indicators, developed since 2017. The prime minister chairs the National Commission on Sustainable Development, with the environment minister a vice-chair. An expert panel informs the discussion, while stakeholders such as businesses, schools or simply individuals agree to sustainable-development commitments. The SDGs are systematically monitored in the government administration. Ministries provide information to a report in May every year on how the goals are being met.

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