Our Future World and the Sustainable Development Goals
How the Global Goals are shaping the future of our planet
OurFutureWorld is a new blog we’ve created to share ideas about how we can create a better and more sustainable world, together. The Global Goals (also known as the Sustainable Development Goals) are the most relevant global framework for action on a range of sustainability issues that are helping countries and people around the world to drive positive change.
That’s why our new blog will focus on the Sustainable Development Goals, explaining what they are and how they can help to transform many aspects of how we live on Earth. We will also highlight what people and organisations around the world are doing to lead action on sustainable development. We have a particular interest in how technology and innovation are being used to shape the sustainable development agenda and we’ll also be showcasing local solutions from around the world.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals that are all linked together, forming a blueprint of how we can create a more sustainable future for everyone on the planet. They were created by the United Nations in a highly consultative process so that they reflect the priorities of countries around the world.
These are the 17 individual goals, each of which have specific targets and indicators so that their progress can be measured.
A full list of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG #1: No Poverty
- SDG #2: Zero Hunger
- SDG #3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG #4 Quality Education
- SDG #5: Gender Equality
- SDG #6: Clean Water and Sanitation,
- SDG #7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG #10: Reducing Inequality
- SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG #13: Climate Action
- SDG #14: Life Below Water
- SDG #15: Life On Land
- SDG #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG #17: Partnerships for the Goals
What progress is being made on the Global Goals?
It’s all good and well to have global goals, but unless there’s action taking place, we won’t be able to reach the targets we’ve put in place to implement all these good intentions.
That’s why the SDGs have targets and indicators that are meant to help measure progress and action on the SDGs. The deadline for most targets is 2030, so there’s actually a pressing need to not only take action — but to accelerate action.
How are the Global Goals being financed?
Sources of finance and funding to turn the Global Goals into action are also critical to scale and implement many of the plans that governments have to improve our world.
Essentially government, public sector funding together with private capital and investments is needed, but it has to go to the correct places to have an actual, measurable impact. That’s what makes sustainability data so critical in relation to financing for development.
How can I get involved in creating impact on the Sustainable Development Goals?
While governments, development organisations, private companies and nonprofit organisations across all sectors and in all countries and cities around the world are working to implement and take action on the SDGs, there’s a lot of scope for citizens to get involved in accelerating action on the Global Goals.
Here are some ideas for taking personal action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Join a sustainable development action community — for example SDSN Youth or +SocialGood
- Take part in Global Goals Week
- Host a +SocialGood Summit watch party or local event
- Download the SDGs in Action App
- Join the SDG Global Festival of Action
- Become an SDG advocate and raise awareness about your favourite SDG
