This study examines the dynamic evolving synergies between the UN’s
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI). This is among the first studies to present an in-depth comparative
treatment and evaluation of these monumental change-oriented undertakings
in terms of their interlinks, complementarities, and synergistic potential to
mobilize and transform public policy and managerial decision-making in the
pursuit of sustainable development. In our study, we identify BRI focus areas,
goals, and modalities and explore their manifold interactions with the 17 SDGs,
including by reference to dozens of recent BRI and AIIB projects. Our findings
strongly suggest ongoing alignment and convergence between the SDGs and
BRI, as exemplified by the recent overt inclusion of BRI within the UN’s 2030
Agenda. However, realization of such promising synergies hinges on several
variables, including the geopolitical and public health environments, the
adoption of more holistic trade and investment strategies, and greater
openness and inclusiveness towards non-Chinese and local businesses,
particularly regarding their participation in BRI sustainable infrastructure
investment projects. Public policy efforts will be essential to steer BRI in more
open, liberal, and integrative directions so that BRI can function optimally as an
effective vehicle for achievement of the SDGs.
Journal of International Business Policy (2021)
Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; UN 2030 Agenda; Belt and Road Initiative;
BRI-SDGS; infrastructure investment; sustainable investment; ecological civilization
By Donald J. Lewis, Xiaohua Yang , Diana Moise and Stephen John Roddy