The Sustainable Development Goals

2 min read
May 29, 2019 at 3:34 PM
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 and have been built on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace, and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the path to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face daily, including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice—the international community plan to achieve these Goals before 2030. 

SDG ACHANGER 1
 
 
What is the role of the United Nations (UN)?

The SDGs came into effect in January 2016 and will continue to guide UNDP policy and funding until 2030. As the lead UN development agency, UNDP is strategically placed to help implement the Goals through its work in 170 countries and territories. 

The UNDP's plan focuses on key areas, including poverty alleviation, democratic governance and peacebuilding, climate change and disaster risk, and economic inequality. The UNDP supports governments in integrating the SDGs into national development plans and policies. 

In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, governments, private sector actors, civil society, and citizens need to collaborate.

 

What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? 

GOAL 1: No Poverty

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

GOAL 13: Climate Action

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

GOAL 15: Life on Land

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

 

The Sustainable Development Goals aim to promote human rights and the preservation of the environment in the long term. To reach these goals, we must combine the contribution of individuals, the support of governments with the help of funding, and indicators measuring the SDGs transparently.