Have you heard of the term SDG but don’t know what it actually means?
Are you one of those wondering what the SDGs are all about and how you can apply it to your work?
Or are you one of those that know about the SDGs but don’t really know how you can contribute to its actualization before the 2030 deadline?
Don’t worry, in this post, I will be giving a brief overview of the sustainable development goals and how individuals can contribute towards achieving them.
What are the SDGs?
The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a collection of seventeen (17) global goals intended to be a blueprint to help address global challenges and attain a better and more sustainable future for all. Adopted in September 2015 during the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the SDGs are the outcome of several years of negotiation and dialogue that began in 2012 as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were reaching their 2015 deadline. Based on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, the SDGs are however a major departure from the MDGs, differing not only in the number of goals but also in their scope. The sustainable development goals and targets are indivisible and integrated, universally applicable and global in nature. They also take into account the different national realities and contexts, the levels and capacities of development, and the existing national policies and priorities.
The SDGs are part of the UN resolution 70/1, the 2030 Development Agenda titled, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. The agenda is a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership, and balances the three dimension of sustainable development: economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. It has 92 paragraphs, with paragraphs 51 outlining the 17 SDGs and its associated 169 targets and 232 agendas that is intended to be achieved before 2030. The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) are:
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Good Health and Wellbeing
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Life below Water
- Life on Land
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Partnerships for the Goals
What Role Can We Play in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030?
The task of achieving the SDG is not a one-person’s job neither is it solely the responsibility of the government. All hands must be on deck if we hope to attain the 17 goals by 2030, which is less than ten years from now. We must join forces both individually and collectively to turn these goals into action. So, you may be wondering how you and I can contribute our own quota into making this goals a reality? Well, there is no single answer to how this can be achieved but there are some roles that we can play in our own little way, some of which include:
Getting Informed and Raising Awareness: One of the roles we can play in achieving the SDGs is by raising awareness. First, there is need for us to try to understand what the goals really mean especially within your own context. We can also try to raise awareness by educating others on the SDGs, its importance, and the part they can play in its actualization. This can be done in schools, workplaces, churches, mosques, markets, communities, and even in our homes. You can find creative and funny ways to get people engaged in discussions around the SDGs so they can become conscious and aware of the SDGs.
Taking action: I understand that not everyone is an activist or is interested in social impact work. However, for those who can, another way to contribute to achieving the SDG is by taking action. You can look for solutions or commitment that you can proffer/make that can help in their actualization. For example, you can decide to focus on one of the SDGs and work towards actualizing it through various activities such as advocacy, awareness and sensitization campaign, or even taking direct action e.g. providing quality education for those in need or giving food to the needy. You can also try to connect with people or organisations working on achieving any of these goals. Another way to take action can be to share educative posts on the SDGs daily or weekly on your various social media platforms.
Accountability: Always, examine yourself periodically to measure the effectiveness of your actions and commitment. It is also our responsibility to hold decision makers accountable to ensure progress.
Other things individuals can do to achieve the SDGs include:
- Providing ideas and solutions
- Participating in volunteer activities
- Conducting research on the SDGs
- Donating money to the cause
- Organising capacity building trainings on the global goals
- Making individual commitment to actualising some of the SDGs
- Signing SDG family action pledge card
- Adopting a sustainable lifestyle
In fact, the list of what individuals can contribute is endless. The truth is that one person alone cannot change the world but together we have a real chance.