What are the Sustainable Development Goals?


The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere!

There are 17 Goals in total, those being: 

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The 17 Goals were adopted by all United Nation Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which sets out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals.

The decade of global action seeks to deliver the SDGs by:

  1. Global Action: Working together to secure greater leadership, more resources and smarter solutions for SDGs
  2. Local Action: Embedding the transitions in policies, budgets, institutions and regulatory frameworks of governments, cities and local authorities
  3. People Action: Generating an unstoppable movement of youth, civil society, media, private sector, unions, academia and more – all pushing for transformation

WHAT CAN I DO? 

Becoming knowledgeable is the first step to becoming part of the solution. Understanding:

  • what the SDGs are;
  • why it is important that we achieve them;
  • ways in which you can personally implement sustainable practices;
  • what local resources/initiatives/programs are available to assist you.

Once you are informed, commit to taking action by putting what you’ve learnt into practice.

Be a responsible consumer:

  • consider the Waste Hierarchy;
  • prioritise recycling: source separate your waste products to ensure you are saving as many valuable resources as you can;
  • save non-renewable resources (water, energy, gas, oil);
  • choose paperless and plastic free alternatives;
  • shop locally (with your own bags)

Be a responsible community member:

  • ensure your families immunisation remain up to date
  • make an informed vote for leaders in our country and local community
  • walk, ride or carpool
  • donate quality goods to charity organisations
  • participate in local events, initiatives and programs

 

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

– Jane Goodall