Sustainable Development Goals

A collective commitment to address global challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.

by Iryna Stryha

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global action plan to ensure “peace, prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.” It was created in 2015 by the United Nations as a pivotal component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and adopted by all UN Member States. This agenda seeks to build upon the Millennium Development Goals and complete what they did not achieve.

The 2030 agenda recognizes that “eradicating poverty in all forms and dimensions is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development” and seeks “to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and to heal and secure our planet.”

SDGs are 17 goals (e.g., no poverty, zero hunger, etc.) with 169 measurable targets to be achieved, created to tackle urgent challenges in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. The goals are interconnected, recognizing that success in one area often depends on progress in others.

Operating on global, national, and local levels, the SDGs engage two main types of implementation actors: state and non-state actors. State actors include national governments and sub-national authorities, while non-state actors include corporations and civil society. Active engagement from all is crucial to the collective achievement of these goals.

SDGs provide a roadmap for nations and stakeholders, fostering collaborative partnerships to work together towards implementing the plan, leaving no one behind.

Let’s briefly explore Sustainable Development Goals, quick facts about each, and examples of actions individuals can take. You can contribute to any goal by staying informed and donating to the goals’ charities and initiatives. In the next article, we’ll spotlight some local initiatives actively working towards SDGs in Thessaloniki. Discover how you can get involved and play a part in these meaningful efforts. All the goal’s names and definitions are taken from the official website of the United Nations (www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment):

1. No poverty — end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

More than 700 million people still live in extreme poverty.You can contribute to achieving this goal by donating things you don’t use.

2. Zero hunger — end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

A third of the world’s food is wasted, yet 821 million people are undernourished.You can contribute to achieving this goal by eliminating food waste, making more sustainable food choices, and supporting local farmers.

3. Good health and well-being — ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. This encompasses maternal and child health, disease prevention, and access to quality healthcare services.

Vaccinations resulted in an 80% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2017.You can contribute to achieving this goal by vaccinating yourself and your family, avoiding substance abuse, donating your blood.

4. Quality education — ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

617 million children and adolescents lack minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics.You can contribute to achieving this goal by mentoring and educating young people in your community, donating your used books.

5. Gender equality — achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

1 in 3 women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence.You can contribute to achieving this goal by standing up against harassment whenever you see or become aware of it, being aware and avoiding gender stereotypes, voicing your support for equal pay and work.

6. Clean water and sanitation — ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the world’s population.You can contribute to achieving this goal by avoiding wasting water (for example, taking short showers, closing a tap when you don’t use it).

7. Affordable and clean energy — ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Three billion people still lack clean cooking fuels and technologies.You can contribute to achieving this goal by using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, turning off electronics and lights when you’re not using them.

8. Decent work and economic growth — promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

One-fifth of young people are not in education, employment, or training.You can contribute to achieving this goal by being a conscious consumer (if something is new and cheap, it is likely to be hurting people or the planet in some way), knowing your rights at work to access justice, buying from local producers, supporting young people to help them better prepare for future jobs.

9. Industry innovation and infrastructure — build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Roads, water, sanitation, and electricity remain scarce in many developing countries.You can contribute to achieving this goal by creating a Wifi hotspot map to help more people access the internet, organizing or participating in a Think Tank contest.

10. Reduced inequalities — reduce inequality within and among countries.

The poorest 40% of the population earn less than 25% of global income.You can contribute to achieving this goal by raising your voice against any type of discrimination, supporting migrants and refugees in your community, favoring companies that are inclusive.

11. Sustainable cities and communities — make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

9 out of 10 urban residents breathe polluted air.You can contribute to achieving this goal by taking care of public spaces (organizing or participating in cleanups, watering and planting greenery, renovating spaces), commuting in a sustainable way (biking, walking, or using public transport), taking advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your local community.

12. Responsible consumption and production — ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

By 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to sustain current lifestyles.You can contribute to achieving this goal by buying second-hand, shopping locally, using food-sharing applications (for donating and buying leftover food), choosing reusable products, joining petitions and campaigns calling out businesses with unsustainable practices.

13. Climate action — take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

By 2050, the equivalent of almost three planets could be required to sustain current lifestyles.You can contribute to achieving this goal by buying second-hand, shopping locally, using food-sharing applications (for donating and buying leftover food), choosing reusable products, joining petitions and campaigns calling out businesses with unsustainable practices.

14. Life below water — conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.You can contribute to achieving this goal by not buying bottled water, reducing waste, buying local and certified fish, organizing or participating in river and ocean cleanups.

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.

Forests are home to more than 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects.You can contribute to achieving this goal by reducing your use of paper, choosing to adopt over shopping for pets, not buying products tested on animals, composting and recycling, cleaning your local forests and parks, not using pesticides.

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.

In 2018, the number of people fleeing war, persecution, and conflict exceeded 70 million.You can contribute to achieving this goal by supporting refugees, taking advantage of voting, speaking up and asking your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that don’t harm people or the planet.

17. Partnerships for the goals — strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

The goal calls for collaboration among governments, businesses, and civil society to achieve the SDGs. This involves sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise.You can contribute to achieving this goal by working or volunteering in NGOs working towards the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting export by buying Fair Trade label products from developing countries.

The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States