Challenges of mainstreaming SDGs in traditional master planning process – a case of Sindh, Pakistan

Mainstreaming SDGs and city master planning share commonalities, as both try to guide future development through actionable goals and targets. It is increasingly recognized that the SDGs can be achieved through integration with master planning; however, this integration remains superficial in Pakistan despite claims of such efforts. This inductive study, based on the authors' engagement with planning departments of Sindh, Pakistan, identifies four distinct challenges in mainstreaming SDGs. First, the lack of understanding about SDGs and the approach to integration; second, inherent flaws in traditional methods of master planning; third, the treatment of the master plan as a one-time project rather than a process; and fourth, shortcomings inherent in the SDGs framework, which are further of two types: firstly, the multiplicity of SDG goals, due to which it is difficult to create synergies; and second, the absence of a spatial pillar, which involves a lack of spatial, geographic and territorial dimensions.