United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global objectives designed to be a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future." Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs aim to address urgent global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Background
The concept of sustainable development was first widely recognized during the Earth Summit in 1992, leading to agreements like Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration. This was further advanced at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, where the Johannesburg Declaration reaffirmed the global commitment to sustainable practices and the eradication of poverty.
The SDGs build upon the earlier Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which had a target date of 2015 and focused primarily on reducing extreme poverty. The Rio+20 conference in 2012 propelled the creation of the SDGs as a more comprehensive and inclusive framework, culminating in the adoption of the 2030 Agenda.
Structure and Goals
The 17 SDGs are interconnected, acknowledging that action in one area will affect outcomes in others. They cover a broad range of social, economic, and environmental development issues:
- No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
- Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition.
- Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
- Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.
- Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water.
- Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation.
- Reduced Inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption patterns.
- Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change.
- Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
- Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies.
- Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships.
Implementation and Support
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) oversees the implementation of the SDGs, supported by the Division for Sustainable Development Goals. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the central platform for follow-up and review of the SDGs at the global level.