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Interview with Lord Jack McConnell, UK
Chair of UK All-Party Parliamentary Group UK since 2015. Member of the UK House of Lords, former First Minister of Scotland.
In the Newsletter, we spotlight members of PfGG who are championing SDGs in their parliaments, showcasing their achievements, sharing their strategies on the implementation of SDGs in their parliament and community. This time, we spotlight Lord Jack McConnell, member of the UK House of Lords.
Role of the APPG within the Parliamentary Structure
The APPGM's firm establishment within the parliamentary structure is highlighted by its focus on
About the All-Party Parliamentary Group UK on SDG
Since its inception in September 2015, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development has grown to include over 130 members of parliament (including MPs and members of the House of Lords), within the UK Parliament. To be recognized as an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in the UK Parliament, a group must convene at least five members at an annual meeting, representing more than one political party. These groups are important for fostering cross-party collaboration and advancing common goals.
The UK APPG on the SDGs convenes for to five times a year, where the members engage in robust discussions, exchange ideas and strategize on SDG implementation. Since 2019, the group has also organized an annual business and SDGs conference, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of embedding the SDGs in long-term business planning.
With a diverse membership spanning across different political parties, the UK APPG on the SDGs embodies the spirit of bipartisan cooperation in driving SDG initiatives forward. Lord Jack McConnell is the founder and has been a consistent co-chair of the group since its establishment, reflecting his commitment to advancing Agenda 2030. Three female Conservative MPs have served as Co-Chair over this period.
Incorporating SDGs into Parliamentary Work
Members of the UK APPG on SDGs actively intergate sustainable development principles into parliamentary debates, speeches and question sessions. They leverage insights gleaned from group meetings, briefings, and engagements with various stakeholders to inform legislative discussion and advocate for policy changes aligned with the SDGs.
While the group may not directly initiate legislation, its members play a pivotal role in shaping legislative frameworks that reflect SDG priorities. For instance, members have been instrumental in advocating for the allocation of 0,7% of gross national income to development aid, a commitment enshrined in law. Additionally, the group exerts pressure on the government to uphold its commitments to the SDGs, holding it accountable for its actions and policies through regular meetings with Ministers.
The UK APPG has notably concentrated its efforts on promoting gender equality, education advancement, and the importance of SDG 16, which emphasizes Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and it works closely with the UN Global Compact. Members of the APPG have attended UN and IPU events. It communicates through a website, a Twitter account and a regular newsletter sent to members of both houses and a wider network of supporters.
For more detailed insights this initiative, visit the website at https://www.appg-globalgoals.org/.
And follow updates on Twitter: https://twitter.com/appg_sdgs?s=11