Amplifying Global Voices for SDG Impact: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Role in C20 Grassroots Survey and International Data Collaboration

Introduction

The C20 Grassroots Survey 2023, coordinated by Ammachi Labs at Amrita University in partnership with M.A. Math was a major international effort to gather data about the challenges faced by communities worldwide. This project was conducted under the vision of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the Chair of C20, emphasizing the importance of listening to the voices of ordinary people. The findings contributed to policy recommendations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bridging the gap between civil society and global leaders. 

Scope of Collaboration

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s involvement in the C20 Grassroots Survey showcased its commitment to international research collaboration. The survey enlisted 427 social workers from 43 countries and received more than 8,000 responses from participants across 64 nations. This global engagement highlights the university’s active participation in collaborative research and its dedication to understanding global issues through diverse perspectives. 

Survey Methodology

The survey was structured into two primary tools: 

• “How Is Your Community?” – Conducted through face-to-face interviews, this survey included 3,066 respondents and aimed to capture collective community experiences. 
• “How Is Your Life?” – An online, self-reported survey answered by 5,224 individuals, allowing participants to express personal experiences. 

The survey covered crucial themes such as education, health, safety, technology, economy, and the environment. To ensure inclusivity, the survey was translated into various languages and supported by trained social workers. A core team of social scientists from the Netherlands and the USA conducted comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify prevalent challenges. 

Key Findings

The C20 Grassroots Survey identified 11 main problem domains faced by communities worldwide: 

• Basic Needs (e.g., food, clothing, housing) 
• Financial Vulnerability 
• Health Issues (including suboptimal health and lack of healthcare access) 
• Health Risks Related to Lifestyle 
• Social Disconnect 
• Limitations to Self-Fulfillment 
• Dissatisfaction with Public Services and Infrastructure 
• Experiences of Environmental Threats 
• Feelings of Insecurity 

Insights in Relation to the SDGs: The survey revealed key insights that align with several SDGs: 

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Findings highlighted significant financial vulnerability and basic needs deficits across various regions, underscoring the urgent need for economic support and poverty alleviation strategies. 
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – The survey found high levels of suboptimal health, inadequate access to healthcare, and lifestyle-related health risks. These insights pointed to the importance of enhancing public health initiatives and promoting better healthcare infrastructure. 
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Environmental threats and dissatisfaction with infrastructure were notable, suggesting the necessity for improved water management and sanitation facilities. 
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Many participants reported financial constraints, insufficient pay, and the need to work multiple jobs, indicating a need for policies that support fair wages and job stability. 
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Social disconnect and limitations to self-fulfillment revealed disparities in opportunities and resources, emphasizing the need to foster inclusive policies that reduce inequality within and among countries. 
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Dissatisfaction with public services and infrastructure highlighted the challenges in urban and rural development, reinforcing the importance of sustainable planning and resilient infrastructure. 
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reports of environmental threats in the survey responses underscored the growing impact of climate change and the need for collective global action to mitigate these challenges. 

Impact and Contribution to the SDGs: The results of the survey were used to inform C20 policy recommendations and reinforced the importance of involving ordinary citizens in data gathering for SDG progress. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s active role in facilitating this global survey exemplifies its commitment to sustainable development, community research, and fostering international collaboration to address key issues facing societies worldwide.