Sustainable development goals
In 2016, the United Nations adopted a range of sustainable development goals (SDGs). SDGs play an important role internationally, but also locally in your district.
No poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Eradicating extreme poverty from the world by 2030 is one of the central development goals. However, extreme poverty is currently defined as less that $ 1.25 per person per day. Critics consider this value to be far too low.
Zero hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
By 2030, everyone should have “year-round access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food”. Although there is enough food available to feed the world’s population today, not everyone has access to it. Other goals include eliminating all forms of malnutrition and doubling the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
Good health and well-being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
By 2030, the goal is to reduce the global maternal mortality rate to below 70 per 100,000 live births and to prevent avoidable deaths in newborns and children under five. The eradication of the AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics, as well as neglected tropical diseases, are also given particular importance, as is access to health care for all.
Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
The main target is to ensure that by 2030 “all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education”. Other objectives set standards for pre-school education, higher education and vocational training.
Gender equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Key concerns here include ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls and eliminating all forms of violence against them. Further targets deal with specific forms of gender-specific discrimination, such as forced marriage, the lack of equal opportunities in attaining management positions and unequal rights to economic resources.
Water and sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
By 2030, there should be universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all, as well as adequate, fair sanitation for all. Other objectives include improving water quality and efficiency of water use, and the protection of water-related ecosystems.
Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
By 2030, the aims include securing universal access to energy services, substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, and doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
Decent work and economic growth
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all
Great emphasis is placed on issues of sustainable economic growth and employment. High economic growth is considered necessary, especially in the least developed countries (at least 7% per year). The aim is to achieve higher economic productivity and resource efficiency in all countries. Other targets include the creation of decent jobs, full and productive employment, an end to forced labour, slavery and human trafficking, and the protection of labour rights.
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
The aim is to develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure in order to support economic development and human well-being. In developing countries in particular, small-scale industrial operations should have better access to financial services, value chains and markets.
Reduced inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries
By 2030, one important target is “to progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average.” Another aim is to ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions.
Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
"By 2030, ensure access to appropriate, safe and affordable housing and basic services for all, and rehabilitate slums.” Further goals include transport systems for all, participatory settlement planning, improved disaster relief, reduced environmental pollution and greater mitigation of and adaptation to the consequences of climate change.
Sustainable consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
To implement this goal, all countries need to take action with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries. Other aims include the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, halving food waste and the environmentally friendly handling of chemicals and waste. Harmful fossil fuel subsidies should also be phased out.
Climate action
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
The target is to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. This will require the Integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. Developed countries are expressly reminded of their obligation to raise 100 billion US dollars annually from 2020 onwards for climate protection in developing countries.
Life below water
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
By 2025, the aim is to prevent and/or significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds. In addition, we need to manage marine and coastal ecosystems sustainably and combat the acidification of the oceans. Other goals include the effective regulation of fishing activities and an end to overfishing.
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
By 2020 the aim was to ensure the sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and forests. Other goals include combating desertification and the preservation of mountain ecosystems. In order to halt the loss of biological diversity, we need to protect endangered species and protect their extinction.
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
The goals here include significantly reducing all forms of violence and guaranteeing the rule of law, which includes the development of efficient institutions. By 2030, the illegal flow of finance and arms should also be significantly reduced.
Partnerships for the goals
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Developed countries are urged to keep their ODA/GNI pledges, in particular the provision of 0.7% of their gross national income for these tasks. Other goals include increased North-South and South-South cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation, and the creation of an equitable multilateral trading system under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization.
