HON BENJAMIN KALU’S BOLD VISION AND STRATEGIC PUSH FOR GLOBAL SDG PROGRESS: LEADING THE CHARGE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE 2025 IPU AND UNGA PARLIAMENTARY HEARINGS

By Dr. Maurice O. Ezuruike, Legislative Consultant

Honourable Benjamin Kalu, the dynamic Nigerian legislator and ardent advocate for sustainable development, has once again demonstrated his leadership and commitment to global progress. At the 2025 Parliamentary Hearing of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held under the theme "Scaling Up Action for the Sustainable Development Goals: Finance, Institutions, and Politics," Kalu stood out with his comprehensive interventions, propelling the conversation on financing, institutional reforms, and the political will necessary for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kalu's interventions were aimed at addressing the fundamental challenges impeding the successful implementation of the SDGs globally, with a particular focus on financing mechanisms, strengthening institutions, and fostering political consensus across nations. His deep understanding of the intersection between policy, governance, and the economy allowed him to offer strategic insights into how the international community can overcome current obstacles.

Honourable Kalu accentuated Nigeria’s efforts in institutionalizing SDG structures by replacing ad-hoc structures with standing committees on SDG as a factor that mitigated political fragmentation where competing priorities such as security and economic volatilities overshadow long-term SDG alignment.

He amplified the revolutionary impact of the SDG-specific oversight manual developed by the Nigerian Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as a critical model that encapsulated practical tools for parliamentary scrutiny which he credited for many of the accountability milestones accomplished by the Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

One of Kalu’s key contributions was his call for innovative financing solutions to fund the SDGs. Recognizing the acute funding gap that many countries face in their pursuit of the SDGs, and tapping on his vast experience and expertise in the financial services sector, Honourable Kalu proposed a multifaceted approach to financing that integrates both public and private sector investments. Kalu emphasized the importance of developing financial instruments that can attract private sector capital, as well as the need for global financial institutions to increase their support for low and middle-income countries.

He also proposed strengthening the capacity of national governments to access international funding opportunities, urging developed nations to meet their financial pledges to developing nations. In his view, this funding is not only a matter of charity but an investment in a more stable, prosperous, and sustainable global economy.

In addition to financing, Honourable Kalu highlighted the need to reform institutions for effective implementation of SDG’s and for stronger, more productive institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the SDGs. He underscored that good governance, transparency, and accountability are vital in the pursuit of sustainable development. Kalu advocated for the reform of global institutions like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund, emphasizing that they must evolve to better meet the needs of today's challenges.

He also proposed creating robust regional frameworks that can serve as the backbone for SDG implementation at the local level. According to Kalu, empowering local governments and regional institutions to take ownership of SDG initiatives will foster better outcomes and ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community.

A central theme of Kalu’s interventions was the importance of fostering political will and global cooperation in scaling up action for the SDGs. He passionately argued that political leaders worldwide must prioritize sustainable development, not just as a matter of policy but as a core part of their political agenda. His call to action was clear: leaders must move beyond rhetoric and engage in tangible, measurable actions that demonstrate their commitment to the SDGs.

Recognizing that global challenges require collective efforts, Kalu stressed the importance of multilateralism and international cooperation. He pushed for a renewed global partnership in which countries are held accountable to their commitments and collaborate more effectively across borders. In this regard, Kalu’s contributions at the UNGA 2025 Parliamentary Hearing were a rallying cry for shared responsibility in achieving the SDGs.

Honourable Benjamin Kalu’s powerful interventions at the IPU and UNGA 2025 Parliamentary Hearing have solidified his position as a global advocate for the SDGs. His insights into financing, institutional strengthening, and the political will required to advance sustainable development are invaluable. As the world grapples with complex challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, Kalu’s voice remains an important catalyst for change.

His work continues to inspire legislators, policymakers, and citizens around the world to take bold actions that ensure a better, more sustainable future for all. Honourable Kalu’s leadership in these global forums serves as a reminder that the success of the SDGs depends not just on the resources available, but on the collective commitment of the political class to create lasting, positive change for the generations to come.