All United Nations member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, along with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
At the core of the Agenda are five messages: 1. put human dignity first, 2. protect the planet, 3. promote prosperity for all, 4. promote peace and 5. build global partnerships. These five core messages are principles of action for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
End poverty
End hunger
A healthy life for everyone (health and well-being)
Quality education
Gender equity
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Less inequality
Sustainable cities and communities
Sustainable consumption and production
Climate protection
Life under water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnerships to achieve the goals
Each of the 17 goals to be achieved by 2030 has different sub-goals and indicators.
Example: Goal 13 - Climate protection
13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to natural disasters in all countries. --> Indicators: Number of victims of natural disasters / 100,000 people; Number of countries with local and national disaster risk reduction strategies.
13.2 Incorporate climate change mitigation measures into national strategies and planning. --> Indicator: Number of countries that have communicated a national strategy that favors adaptation to the impacts of climate change, promotes climate resilience and a reduction in greenhouse gases, while not restricting food production.
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising activities, and human and institutional capacities on climate change mitigation, reducing negative impacts of climate change, etc. --> Indicators: Number of countries that have incorporated early warning and adaptation and reduction of negative impacts of climate change into their primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula; number of countries that promote institutional, systemic, and individual capacities to implement adaptation and development actions.
Whether you are planting trees, volunteering or simply telling others about the 17 goals: every single one of us can contribute to reach each goal.
When we go shopping, we decide which production conditions we support with the products we buy. Buying fairtraide products and supporting local firms are examples for sustainable production conditions. When we use water and electricity, we can decide to use it sparingly. Through our choices, each and every one of us can make a positive contribution towards the 17 goals.
