Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. These goals address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, aiming to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. They encompass issues such as poverty, inequality, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
Sustainable Development Goals Definition:
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also referred to as the Global Goals, were established by the United Nations in 2015. They represent a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing a range of global challenges (such as end poverty, protect the planet, etc.) and promoting sustainable development worldwide by 2030.
- The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for action at the global, national, and local levels.
- The adoption of the SDGs marked a significant milestone, representing a universal commitment by UN member states to work towards achieving a more sustainable and equitable world by the year 2030.
- The SDGs serve as a universal call to action for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to collectively address pressing global issues.
- They also serve as a roadmap for governments, organizations, and individuals to set priorities, develop policies, mobilize resources, and track progress towards achieving sustainable development targets.
- The goals cover a wide range of interconnected issues, including poverty eradication, health and well-being, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, and biodiversity conservation, among others.
Core Objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- The primary objectives of the SDGs are to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.
- Each of the 17 SDGs is interconnected and aims to tackle specific challenges while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
- The SDGs build on the success and lessons learned from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and seek to address their unfinished agenda while also incorporating new priorities, such as environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
Read More: Need for Sustainable Development
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline a comprehensive and ambitious agenda for global development. Here is an overview of each goal:
| SDG | Goal | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Poverty | End poverty in all its forms everywhere. |
| 2 | Zero Hunger | Achieve food security, 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 Inequalities | 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. |
| 15 | Life on Land | Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. |
| 16 | Peace, Justice, and 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 for the Goals | Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. |
