Sustainable development goals for a better future

Sustainable Development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. United Nations Member States has established 17 sustainable development goals in 2015 which is also known as Global Goals with the aim of ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. These all 17 goals are inter-connected, which means the action in one area will affect the outcomes in others while balancing social, economic and environmental sustainability. United Nations Development Agency has placed the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) with the aim of achieving sustainable development goals over 170 countries and territories through integrated solutions. 

Following goals are the seventeen sustainable development goals.

1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, Innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

These each interdependent goals have lists of targets which are measured with indicators. Furthermore, as an example extreme poverty has become a major social burden since many people (736 million) are still struggling with extreme poverty. However, eradicating poverty is one of the greatest challenges. Therefore sustainable development goals are assisting to fulfill the aim of the goal one which is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. The overall idea of goal two is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all stages is the aim of the third goal. The forth global goal reflects the meaning of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Similarly, these all 17 goals have overall 169 targets and each target has between 1 to 3 indicators which are used to measure progress towards reaching the targets. As an example life expectancy at birth, infant mortality and maternal mortality are three indicators which are used to measure the good health and well-being. The aim of sustainable development is to balance our economic, social and environmental needs allowing prosperity for now and future. However, this is a long term process. By adopting those sustainable development goals this global aim could be achieved by 2030. However achieving sustainable development goals requires the partnership of governments, private sector, civil society and citizens alike to make sure we leave a better planet for future generations.

Article by: Sithuni Mimasha