Examining Intersectoral Action as an Approach to Implementing Multistakeholder Collaborations to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Objectives: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) re-orient action towards improving the social and ecological determinants of health and equity. SDG 17 calls for enhanced policy and institutional coherence and strong multi-stakeholder partnerships. Intersectoral action (IA) has a promising history in public health, including health promotion and global health. Some experts see IA as crucial to the SDGs. Yet less is known about how IA is conceptualized and what promising models exist with relevance to the SDGs. We sought to investigate how IA is understood conceptually and empirically.Methods: We conducted a narrative review of global public health and political science literatures and grey literature on the SDGs to identify theoretical models, case studies and reviews of IA research.Results: Multiple competing conceptualizations of IA exist. Research has focused on case studies in high-income countries. More conceptual clarity, analyses of applications in LMICs, and explorations of political and institutional factors affecting IA are needed, as is attention to power dynamics between sectors.Conclusion: IA is required to collaborate on the SDGs and address equity. New models for successful implementation merit exploration.

Prioritizing gender equity and intersectionality in Canadian global health institutions and partnerships

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Addressing mental health through intersectoral action in the context of COVID-19 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

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“…Measurement of the co-benefits from intersectoral action is key. New models of intersectoral action are also needed now more than ever (9). I look forward to seeing more submissions to Global Health Promotion that focus on equitable intersectoral policy and program solutions to address issues like mental health.…”

Aborder la santé mentale à travers l’action intersectorielle dans le contexte de la COVID-19 et de l’agenda 2030 pour le développement durable

“…Il est primordial de pouvoir mesurer les retombées positives de l’action intersectorielle. De nouveaux modèles d’action intersectorielle sont plus que jamais nécessaires (9). J’ai hâte de voir d’autres articles soumis à Global Health Promotion qui se concentrent sur des politiques intersectorielles et des solutions équitables pour répondre à des enjeux comme la santé mentale.…”

“…Il est primordial de pouvoir mesurer les retombées positives de l'action intersectorielle. De nouveaux modèles d'action intersectorielle sont plus que jamais nécessaires (9)…”