Editorial: Feeling our way forward

The scale, scope and level of ambition embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs) is daunting. At the country level, the corresponding aspirations encapsulated in national development strategies and plans are equally formidable. Dwelling on the challenges would be understandable, but only useful up to a point. While it is essential to analyse the nature and magnitude of the problems which we are trying to address, it is even more critical that we are not overwhelmed by them. Analysis must lead to action, not paralysis. Action will lead to numerous failures along the way, but it is through failures and occasional successes that we learn how to do better. Failure – and success – must be embraced.