Understanding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly by all member states as a global goal blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future.
It was adopted as a universal call to end poverty, protect the Earth and ensure peace and prosperity by 2030.
The 17 SDGs adopted are interlinked in that they recognize an action in one area automatically affects outcomes in others and that development must balance socio-political, economic and environmental sustainability.
The member countries pledged commitment and fast-track progress to ensure several life-changing ‘zeros’ such as zero poverty, hunger, and discrimination against women and girls among others.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted to replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2000 which were started as a global effort to tackle the indignity of poverty.
The development of SDGs started in 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development with an objective to produce a set of universal goals that meet urgent political, socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the world.
The 17 SDGs adopted include:
a) No Poverty- eradicating poverty in all its form
b) Zero Hunger- end hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture
c) Good Health and well-being- ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of all at all ages
d) High-quality education: Guaranteeing an inclusive and fair education
e) Gender Equality- ending all discrimination against women and goals
f) Clean water and sanitation- ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources
g) Affordable and clean energy- by ensuring access to affordable and reliable modern energy
h) Decent work and economic growth- promote sustainable economic growth and decent employment opportunities.
i) Industry, innovation and infrastructure- promote investment in infrastructure to drive economic growth and development
j) Reduced inequalities- reduce inequality within and among countries across the globe
k) Sustainable cities and communities- making cities and human settlements safe, resilient and sustainable
l) Responsible consumption and production- ensuring sustainable consumption of resources
m) Climate action- taking action to combat climate change and its adverse impacts
n) Life below water- conserve and sustainable use of water sources
o) Life on land- promote sustainable use of land ecosystem to halt land degradation
p) Peace, justice and strong institution- promote peace and access to justice and accountable institution
Understanding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
