The UN member states started to process the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2012. The aim was to produce a set of universal goals which meet the urgent environmental, political and economic challenges of our world. The Member States agreed upon the SDGs and these goals have been in force since 2016, and they reach to year 2030.

The SDGs are unique because they call all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to action to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs, such as education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.

There are 17 goals altogether: 1) No poverty, 2) No 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, and 17) Partnerships for the goals. It is clear that the goals overlap – if there is no poverty, there should be no hunger – and that the coming true of one effects the coming true of another: if there is gender equality, then there is quality education for all.

The UN SDG Internet site states: “Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large. Implementing new legal frameworks regarding female equality in the workplace and the eradication of harmful practices targeted at women is crucial to ending the gender-based discrimination prevalent in many countries around the world.”[i]

You can find more about the SDGs on the UN pages: “Sustainable Development Goals – Knowledge Platform”.[iii]