When being raised in the context of a Caribbean home, and (more so in Trinidad and Tobago), some of us would have been privy to the secret code of 'a bad dose of castor oil', which remedied many little ailments that cropped up occasionally.
Even in the case of the millennial and their understanding of something that tastes awful but with effective results would be the reference to "Buckley's", with the tag line saying "it tastes awful but it works". In this case, we are seeking to change that perception on how we absorb information, and use more palatable but yet meaningful and constructive mediums of communication.

Having said that, at least a significant amount of us would savour a great morning cup of coffee (or anytime during the course of a day) which gives a positive boost in energy, vitality and drive for getting things done. The SDG agenda and it's messages, content and 'word' to the man on the street is of equal importance.
How we craft this is critical for how the next generation and those thereafter treat with the world as we know it and what is to come for our existence. 

The principles of communicating sustainable development and the goals to our population:
The strategy primarily can convince the key decision makers of a country to adopt new policies and make provisions to support this framework in future.  Another important objective would be to add value and  strengthen leadership,  NGO’s, community-based organizations and their capabilities for a better economic, ecological and social management.
Development of lasting partnerships among governments, local communities and NGOs in order to encourage people to work together for change.  We must also note that motivating people, to adopt cleaner production and technologies is also a basic principle.

As a result of this, a more sensitized and aware population in the direction of the problems linked with the sustainable development would exist.
Accelerating and improving people’s behavior in adopting responsible actions.
This can persuade the population in changing their behavior and also to ensure that a culture shift (mentality, doing, acting) is secured over time. 

In terms of action on a governance level, Trinidad and Tobago has made several attempts to get the ball rolling to put together a team of stakeholders and stakeholder representatives which would chart a way forward for the sustainable development agenda.

Arguably that committee is far off from meeting it's objectives however, it is an encouraging thought to know that the government is in fact interested and putting things in place to press on with discussions, forums and positive action. Out of this the National Council for Sustainable Development in T&T was formed in September, 2020. 

Another equally encouraging fact is that the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), took it's place as playing a key role in the established council. It is particularly heartening that environmental issues were highlighted as being at the forefront of such discussions, and talks as it relates to sustainability. Further to this the government has proposed a 2030 national action plan to work in tandem with the SDG agenda.  

A Broader Outlook:
Sustainable development has become an indispensable thing in our current world, as it constitutes a strong support factor for the process of facing crises.
If the aims and objectives that were  approved by the United Nations are achieved, countries that are facing situations such as the pandemic (COVID19) at this time, would be much better equipped to deal with the challenges that are being faced.

With the buy-in to the SDG goals, organizations, companies and donors would be more interested in contributing to the 'cause' of reducing the pandemic's long lasting and far reaching effects. The fact remains in this instance, the virus has effects that exacerbate the situation on an economic and social level. 

More understanding on a grassroots level is also a requirement to cope with the negative effects of any crisis. 
It seeks to encourage optimal use of resources, in a manner that serves the members of society . Further it encourages the rights of future generations ,
thus  addressing issues  related to  the simplest and most basic  needs of  human existence. (water, health, food, services, education, institutional building, good governance, etc.).

Can this pandemic contribute to strengthening sustainability?
The silver lining behind the dark clouds in all of this is how the impacts of Covid-19 have amplified many other issues, and kick-started mobilization across the globe as it relates to the need for sustainable practices,  in the recovery process.
Our response to this pandemic coupled with efforts, to prevent the next one (which is a very real possibility) must take a larger picture into account. 
The many impacts of the ongoing pandemic are tied to sustainability issues ranging from inequality to scarcity of resources (among many other issues).

In our quest for finding the most effective means of  tackling the pandemic, the hope is that we do not get stuck in tunnel vision and be mindful that we already have valid guidelines outlined clearly in the SDG agenda and goals.
Logically, a valid thought or idea to consider going forward, is that the very methods being used to advance the SDGs, can also be used to address the pandemic. Easier said than done, but it is surely worth consideration.