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Focus on: SDGs
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A united front
The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals can help guide our industry to impact thr world for good, says April Waterston
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to achieve a sustainable world 'for all'. The UN says that the 17 goals recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and environmental preservation.
The goals are: No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequality; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace and Justice Strong Institutions, and Partnerships to achieve the Goals.
Incorporate the goals
The SDGs cover a wide breadth of areas, and combined aim to cover all the elements needed to create a better, more sustainable world Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders (aviationbenefits.org) explains how the aviation industry does and can contribute to at least 15 of the goals, including those that may seem less relevant. For example, the No Poverty goal has been tackled with $160 million of onboard donations as part of Unicef's Change for Good campaign. Around Quality Education, it points out that four million students travel to study abroad each year, many by air.
One airline considering the goals is Etihad. In summer 2021, Etihad became the first airline to sign an agreement with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. The UNV supports volunteering globally and aims to engage Etihad volunteers in
advocacy events, increase awareness of volunteering opportunities, and accelerate the SDGs in the “Leave no one behind” agenda. In addition, Etihad promotes the UNV and activities across its own channels, including the Etihad Guest loyalty programme to the elements needed to create a better, encourage members more sustainable world to donate their Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders Etihad Guest Miles in support of UNV. Toily Kurbanov, executive coordinator, UNV, said: “I hope this partnership will help grow awareness of the inspiring actions taken by UN Volunteers around the globe. Through miles donation, Etihad Guest members will have a direct channel to back such actions.” sdgs.un.org •
campaign. Around Quality Education, it points out that four million students travel to study abroad each year, many by air.
One airline considering the goals is Etihad. In summer 2021, Etihad became the first airline to sign an agreement with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. The UNV supports volunteering globally and aims to engage Etihad volunteers in
The goals aim to cover all bases to create a better, more sustainable world
