As we just concluded International Development Week, we sat down with Her Royal Majesty Queen Vicklextar and discussed the future of international development. 

Q: Can you share your vision for the future of international development and how you believe global collaborations can address the most pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide?

You know, as we look toward the future of international development, it’s clear that the path forward is paved with both immense challenges and extraordinary opportunities. In this interconnected world of ours, the fate of communities thousands of miles apart is linked more closely than ever before. This interconnectedness doesn’t just highlight our shared vulnerabilities; it also opens the door to unparalleled possibilities for collective action and mutual growth.

From my vantage point, the vision for the future is one where collaboration and strategic partnership are at the heart of global development. It’s about creating a network of support that transcends borders, cultures, and economies. It’s about leveraging our collective resources, expertise, and innovative spirit to address the critical issues facing our world today, from climate change and inequality to healthcare and education.

To make this vision a reality, it’s essential that we embrace a new paradigm of global collaboration. This means engaging in partnerships that are not just transactional, but transformational. It requires a shift towards long-term investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, rather than short-term fixes. It’s about aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals and working together to create scalable, sustainable solutions that can be adapted to the unique needs of different communities.

But let’s be clear, achieving meaningful progress on this front demands more than just goodwill; it requires a commitment to action, to rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work. It means making tough decisions, setting clear priorities, and measuring our success not just by the inputs, but by the real, tangible outcomes we achieve. It’s about being bold, but also pragmatic, recognizing that while we may not solve every problem overnight, we can make significant strides through persistence, innovation, and collaboration.

In essence, the future of international development hinges on our ability to come together as a global community, to share our strengths, to learn from each other, and to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. It’s a formidable challenge, no doubt, but one that we can meet if we approach it with the right mix of optimism, realism, and unwavering commitment to the common good.

As a Queen and global leader, how do you advocate for sustainable development goals within your realm of influence, and what initiatives have you supported or led that align with these goals?

In my role as a Queen and a global leader, the essence of my advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is deeply rooted in a commitment to transformative leadership and action. This commitment is manifested through strategic engagements and initiatives that resonate with the core objectives of empowering women, supporting the youth, and fostering peace and harmony through effective conflict resolution.

Empowering Women: Realizing UN SDG 

Central to my advocacy efforts is the empowerment of women, which is fundamental not only to achieving gender equality but also to addressing broader socio-economic challenges. Through targeted programs, we have sought to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s progress, focusing on enhancing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. These efforts are designed to create an enabling environment where women can thrive as leaders, innovators, and key contributors to our society.

Empowering the Youth: A Commitment to UN SDG 4

Similarly, empowering the youth is pivotal to our vision of sustainable development. By prioritizing quality education and lifelong learning (SDG 4), we have launched initiatives aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to lead positive change. This includes not just formal education but also vocational training and life skills development, ensuring that the youth are prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Healing and Harmony through Conflict Resolution: In Step with SDGs 10 and 16

In addressing the challenges of inequality and injustice (SDGs 10 and 16), we have championed efforts to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions. Recognizing that sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of peace and social cohesion, our initiatives have focused on conflict resolution, access to justice for all, and building inclusive societies that respect human rights and the rule of law. These efforts are crucial for creating the foundation upon which other development objectives can be pursued.

Partnership for the Goals

Integral to all these efforts is the principle of partnership (SDG 17). By fostering collaboration across nations, sectors, and communities, we aim to build a united front against the challenges that confront us. This involves not just dialogue and cooperation but also sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices to achieve collective goals.

In summary, my advocacy for the SDGs as a Queen and a global leader is characterized by a holistic approach that integrates the empowerment of women, the nurturing of youth, and the promotion of peace and harmony. It is through these focused efforts that we can pave the way for a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world. The journey is complex and the challenges are many, but with unwavering commitment and collective action, progress is within our reach.

Q: What do you see as the biggest obstacle to international development today?

Navigating the complexities of international development in today’s world presents a myriad of challenges, yet, if I were to distill these into the single most formidable obstacle, it would be the issue of global inequality. This is a multifaceted challenge that encompasses economic disparities, unequal access to healthcare and education, and significant differences in political empowerment and social justice across nations and communities.

Global inequality is not just a moral issue; it’s a practical impediment to sustainable development. When vast segments of the global population are excluded from the economic, social, and political benefits of modern society, the entire world faces greater risks of conflict, disease, and environmental degradation. These challenges know no borders, and in our interconnected world, the repercussions of inequality in one region can have far-reaching effects across the globe.

Addressing this inequality requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including governments, the private sector, and civil society. It demands policies that not only aim to lift people out of poverty but also ensure fair access to opportunities and resources for everyone. This involves creating inclusive economies, investing in education and healthcare, and ensuring that all individuals have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

In my experience, the most effective approaches to tackling global challenges are those that combine visionary leadership with practical, on-the-ground initiatives. For instance, the work done in promoting financial inclusion through mobile banking technology in some parts of the world has shown how innovative solutions can address gaps in traditional banking systems, empowering millions of people economically and contributing to reducing poverty levels.

Similarly, initiatives that focus on empowering women and girls, providing quality education for all, and ensuring fair access to healthcare services are critical. These efforts not only address the symptoms of inequality but also tackle its root causes, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Moreover, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. International development is a collective endeavour, requiring a shared vision and mutual effort from all stakeholders. By working together—across countries, industries, and communities—we can leverage our diverse strengths and perspectives to find creative solutions to the challenges we face.

In conclusion, while the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, I remain optimistic. With a commitment to justice, equality, and partnership, we can overcome the barriers to international development and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This is not merely an aspiration but a necessity for our shared future.