The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Towards a more just and sustainable future
- GSI
- Apr 1
- 10 min read
In September 2015, the United Nations adopted a transformative set of global objectives designed to address humanity's most pressing challenges. These 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a comprehensive approach to tackling poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace while fostering prosperity and ensuring environmental sustainability. The SDGs are aimed to be achieved by 2030, and they act as a roadmap for creating a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
What are the SDGs?
The SDGs are a universal call for action to improve the lives of all people while safeguarding the planet. They are broken down into targets and indicators, which measure progress toward specific outcomes. The SDGs are interconnected, addressing issues like education, health, gender equality, clean water, and the need for sustainable economic growth.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals
No poverty: Eradicate extreme poverty, which affects those living on less than $1.25 per day. As of 2022, 9.2% of the global population still lived in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank.
GSN reflection: Although global poverty rates have decreased over the past few decades, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed millions back into extreme poverty. Progress has been made in regions like East Asia, but Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience high levels of poverty. Ensuring sustainable economic growth, access to quality education, and social protection are critical in the fight against poverty.
Zero hunger: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The UN estimates that nearly 828 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2021.
GSN reflection: Despite significant advances in agricultural productivity, hunger remains pervasive, particularly in conflict zones and areas vulnerable to climate change. Sustainable farming, reducing food waste, and addressing underlying causes like poverty and inequality are crucial to combating hunger. Global initiatives like the UN's Food Systems Summit are vital to promote food security.
Good health and well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 15 million people died from communicable diseases in 2020.
GSN reflection: Major strides have been made in reducing the global burden of diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria. However, universal health coverage remains out of reach for many, especially in low-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global health inequalities, stressing the need for stronger healthcare systems and equitable access to medical services.
Quality education: Ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. UNESCO’s 2020 report shows that 1.6 billion students were affected by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GSN reflection: Global education efforts have resulted in higher enrollment rates, especially for girls. However, learning outcomes are still uneven, and digital divides hinder education in many parts of the world. Achieving this goal requires focusing on inclusive education and reducing inequalities in access to quality learning materials and teachers.
Gender equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. According to UN Women, women still earn 20% less than men globally.
GSN reflection: Progress has been made in some areas, such as political participation and access to education for girls. However, gender-based violence remains widespread, and women are underrepresented in leadership positions globally. To achieve gender equality, a multi-faceted approach is needed, addressing cultural, economic, and legal barriers.
Clean water and sanitation: Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. According to WHO/UNICEF, 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water.
GSN reflection: While substantial progress has been made in increasing access to clean water and sanitation, climate change and population growth are putting increasing pressure on water resources. More must be done to improve water management, reduce water scarcity, and address regional disparities in access to clean water.
Affordable and clean energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. In 2020, renewable energy represented 29% of global electricity generation.
GSN reflection: There has been significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy, especially in electricity generation. However, many rural and underserved populations still lack access to electricity, and fossil fuels remain dominant in many economies. Ensuring affordable and clean energy for all requires accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources and expanding energy infrastructure.
Decent work and economic growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that youth unemployment increased by 13.6% in 2020 due to the pandemic.
GSN reflection: Economic growth has created millions of jobs globally, but many are low-quality and poorly paid, particularly in the informal sector. The pandemic exacerbated employment challenges, and many people continue to face job insecurity. The recovery must focus on creating decent work, particularly in the green economy, to provide sustainable livelihoods for all.
Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The global digital economy was valued at $5.9 trillion in 2021, reflecting rapid advancements in innovation.
GSN reflection: Advances in digital technology, especially in mobile and internet connectivity, have accelerated economic growth and innovation. However, gaps in access to technology remain, particularly in low-income countries. To achieve sustainable industrialization, it is critical to invest in green technologies and ensure that all countries can benefit from innovation.
Reduced inequality: Reduce inequality within and among countries. According to Oxfam, the wealthiest 1% of the global population control over 40% of the world’s wealth.
GSN reflection: Income inequality continues to widen, with the richest benefiting disproportionately from global economic growth. The pandemic worsened inequality, especially among women and marginalized groups. Reducing inequality requires comprehensive policy changes, such as progressive taxation and stronger social protection systems.
Sustainable cities and communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By 2050, 68% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas, according to the UN.
GSN reflection: Urbanization has brought many benefits, including improved infrastructure and services. However, rapid urban growth has led to overcrowded informal settlements and strained resources. Sustainable urban planning, affordable housing, and access to green spaces are essential to ensure the development of sustainable cities.
Responsible consumption and production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Global plastic production hit 368 million tons in 2019, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
GSN reflection: While awareness about responsible consumption has increased, global production continues to be unsustainable. The rise of a circular economy and sustainable production practices is essential to tackle waste and environmental damage. Reducing consumption of single-use plastics is critical in this effort.
Climate action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, and extreme weather events have become more frequent.
GSN reflection: Climate change is the most urgent crisis humanity faces. While the international community has made strides in addressing it, such as through the Paris Agreement, global emissions continue to rise. Urgent action is required to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and protect vulnerable populations from climate impacts.
Life below water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Over 30% of global fish stocks are overexploited, according to FAO.
GSN reflection: While marine conservation efforts are growing, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction continue to threaten marine ecosystems. International cooperation is essential to reduce overfishing, protect marine biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of ocean resources.
Life on land: Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. According to the IUCN, 25% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction.
GSN reflection: Despite efforts to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems, deforestation, and land degradation persist. The loss of biodiversity is accelerating, and immediate action is required to protect forests, restore degraded land, and conserve endangered species.
Peace, justice, and strong institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective institutions. Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked 2/3 of countries with serious corruption issues.
GSN reflection: While peacebuilding efforts have succeeded in some areas, conflict, political instability, and corruption continue to undermine peace and justice globally. Strengthening institutions, promoting rule of law, and ensuring accountability are essential to achieving lasting peace.
Partnerships for the goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. Effective partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society are crucial for achieving the SDGs.
GSN reflection: International partnerships have led to some progress, particularly in areas like financing for development. However, greater collaboration and a shift towards inclusive and multilateral partnerships are required to ensure the SDGs are achieved on time.
Key Institutions and Organizations
While the United Nations (UN) spearheads the SDGs, other global institutions and organizations play an essential role. These include:
The World Bank: Provides financing for projects aligned with sustainable development.
World Health Organization (WHO): Leads global efforts to improve health and well-being.
UNESCO: Promotes quality education, cultural preservation, and scientific collaboration.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Leads efforts to improve food security and agriculture.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also vital in supporting the SDGs:
· Goal 1 - No Poverty
Oxfam: Focuses on reducing poverty and inequality by providing humanitarian aid and advocating for systemic change.
· Goal 2 - Zero Hunger
World Food Programme (WFP): Works to end hunger worldwide by providing food assistance and promoting food security.
· Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Doctors Without Borders (MSF): Provides medical care in conflict zones and areas with limited access to health services.
· Goal 4 - Quality Education
UNICEF: Promotes children's education, protection, and well-being around the world.
· Goal 5 - Gender Equality
UN Women: Focuses on advocating for gender equality, women's empowerment, and supporting women’s rights initiatives.
· Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
WaterAid: Works to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities in need.
· Goal 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): Promotes the adoption of renewable energy and helps countries transition to sustainable energy sources.
· Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
International Labour Organization (ILO): Works to promote fair labor practices, decent work, and economic growth.
· Goal 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
World Bank: Provides funding and expertise to build infrastructure and promote sustainable industrial development globally.
· Goal 10 - Reduced Inequality
Equality Now: Advocates for women's and girls' rights and works to reduce inequality and discrimination worldwide.
· Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
C40 Cities: A network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in urban areas.
· Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
Greenpeace: Focuses on reducing waste, promoting sustainable production, and encouraging responsible consumption patterns.
· Goal 13 - Climate
· Goal 14 - Life Below Water
WWF: Works on ocean conservation, tackling pollution, overfishing, and supporting marine biodiversity.
· Goal 15 - Life on Land
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): Focuses on preserving land-based ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity.
· Goal 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Amnesty International: Advocates for human rights, access to justice, and peacebuilding around the world.
· Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
Global Partnership for Education (GPE): Mobilizes partnerships to improve education in developing countries and supports the achievement of the SDGs through collaboration.
Project everyone: 10 years of impact
As Project Everyone and the Global Goals celebrate their decade-long journey, Richard Curtis, Director, Screenwriter, and Co-founder of Project Everyone, reflects on the progress made and looks forward to the path ahead toward 2030.
Over the last ten years, it has been an honour and a responsibility for Project Everyone to make the Global Goals more accessible and popular. The initiative's mission has been to simplify the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), making them clear, practical, and easy to use, and spreading them far and wide. By making the Goals more famous and user-friendly, the aim was to give them the best chance of being effective. Project Everyone's work began even before the Goals were officially announced, guided by the motto: "To make things happen, you have to make things." Creativity and partnerships have been key to ensuring the Goals reach everyone.
The first task was to create a design for the Goals. With 17 goals and 169 targets, the original document was dense and complex. To ensure this multilateral document would resonate with people, businesses, and governments, Project Everyone worked with the United Nations and design partners to distil the document into a simple, ambitious graphic with concise, easily understandable names for each Goal.
The next challenge was to launch the SDGs to the world. In partnership with the UN, Project Everyone worked with TV broadcasters, radio stations, mobile operators, Ministries of Education, and other global partners to introduce the Goals in over 100 countries, reaching millions of people.
The real work, however, began after the launch. Keeping the SDGs at the forefront of global consciousness has been a decade-long effort. There has been a steady rise in awareness and commitment to the Goals. Governments have incorporated them into their laws, while businesses have embedded them into decision-making, often led by the Business Avengers for the SDGs. The World’s Largest Lesson has made the Goals a central part of millions of children's education, and the Goalkeepers campaign, launched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has created a global community of leaders committed to achieving the Global Goals.
Project Everyone, alongside hundreds of civil society organisations and changemakers, has put the SDGs at the heart of practical actions worldwide to fight for justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Despite the progress, the world is still not on track to meet the Goals by 2030. It has been a challenging decade, but the Goals have remained resilient as the one practical plan for both people and the planet.
The foundations for progress have been laid. Policy environments are gradually shifting, businesses are recognising the opportunities the Goals provide for employment and growth, and an optimistic, results-oriented generation of young people is determined to carry the Goals forward. While no government or endeavour has ever achieved everything it set out to do, the next years leading up to 2030 offer the potential for dramatic progress. The work will continue beyond 2030, but the period leading to that milestone could set the stage for sustained advancement in the decades to follow.
Richard Curtis extends his thanks to all the partners who have supported the project, expressing gratitude for their imagination, determination, and courage. Project Everyone is proud of its collaboration with the UN and looks forward to continuing to work with businesses, charities, leaders, campaigners, philanthropists, and financiers worldwide to move toward the achievement of the Global Goals.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite significant progress in some areas, challenges persist in achieving the SDGs. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, and geopolitical tensions hinder global cooperation. However, these challenges also present opportunities to redefine economic models, accelerate innovation, and foster greater international collaboration.
At globalsociety.earth, we focus our work on publishing news and stories connected to the Global Goals, highlighting the efforts of individuals, organizations, and movements that are part of the Global Society. By sharing inspiring initiatives and raising awareness, we aim to foster collaboration and support the global efforts needed to achieve the SDGs. Through this, we strive to contribute to the collective action required for building a more just, sustainable, and inclusive world.
More information: https://www.globalgoals.org/