A Basic Guide to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. The SDGs consist of 17 interconnected goals and 169 targets.

List of the 17 SDGs

1. No Poverty – End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
2. Zero Hunger – End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
4. Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
5. Gender Equality – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy – Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequality – Reduce inequality within and among countries.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities – Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
13. Climate Action – Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
14. Life Below Water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land – Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions – Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal – Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Key Takeaways

Interconnectedness: It’s essential to understand that these goals are interconnected. Addressing one may directly or indirectly impact others. For example, ensuring access to clean water (Goal 6) can improve health and well-being (Goal 3) and contribute to reducing poverty (Goal 1).

Universal Application: These goals aren’t just for developing nations. They apply universally, addressing issues that every nation faces, including those in the developed world.

Stakeholder Involvement: Achieving the SDGs requires the partnership of governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals alike. Everyone has a role to play.

Conclusion

The SDGs represent a global commitment to a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. By familiarizing ourselves with these goals and understanding the ways they intersect, we can all play a role in driving positive change for our communities and the planet.

Editorial Team