If you haven’t heard of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, don’t beat yourself up, neither did I, until a couple of months ago.
A couple of weeks ago, I shared a bit of information about the Blue Heart Campaign something that is extremely close to my heart. However, when the same friend gave me a second pin, I found myself a little confused.
The pin she gave me was the UN’s sustainable development goals pin.
Even though I felt honoured to be the recipient of her gift, I felt confused! Initially I felt confused because I had no idea what it meant. After my friend explained it to me, I did some research and felt completely overwhelmed!
What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals?
First and foremost, the sustainable development (SDGs) or global goals are a United Nations initiative. They are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
See what I mean? Overwhelming!
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 goals for a better world by 2030. The SDGs came into effect in January 2016.
Naturally, it is impossible for the UN alone to accomplish these goals. It requires buy-in from us all and best of all, there are some amazing resources available to up-skill ourselves and teach our kids!
Here’s one of the intro videos designed with kids in mind!
Here’s the thing, to end modern-day slavery, we need to address and end poverty, empower women and girls and ensure peace and justice. So in other words (bear with me – I know it isn’t rocket science) all of these goals are interlinked and if we can achieve even half of these goals, we will have impacted nearly all of them.
Before I get ahead of myself, allow me to list these goals as per the UN’s guidelines.
Sustainable Development Goals
Goal 1. End poverty.
Goal 2. Zero Hunger.
Goal 3. Good health and well-being.
Goal 4. Quality education.
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality.
Goal 6. Clean water and sanitation for all.
Goal 7. Ensure affordable and clean energy.
Goal 8. Decent work and economic growth for all.
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production.
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change.
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote life on earth.
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation
My Commitment
In all fairness, I can’t say I am passionate about all of the goals. Yes, I would like to promote, restore and protect life on earth. But that doesn’t mean any of the below words, in their essence, mean anything to me:
“Sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”
Here is what I can do: I can learn, I can share what I learn and I can teach my kids! So that is exactly what I plan to do. I plan to tackle a goal every month. Research it, try something fun with the boys, interview experts on the subject matter and use the resources I have available at my disposal to make a difference!
It is a big commitment, but I believe that if the UN can commit to achieving these goals, the least I can do, is invest some time, share what I learn and spread the word!
Care to join me in the journey? Let me know in the comments below!
Have you heard of the SDGs before or am I the only ostrich with my head in the ground?
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