Agenda 2030: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UNSDG)
Imagine a world without environmental disasters, poverty, hunger and economic problems. The 193 member states of the United Nations have tackled precisely these challenges with the“Agenda 2030“, which has been in force since 2016. This agenda is a groundbreaking global framework that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time.
The 2030 Agenda affects us all
The 2030 Agenda comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that cover a broad spectrum. From poverty reduction, education and health to environmental protection and social justice – each goal comes with specific sub-targets and indicators to be achieved by 2030. These indicators help to measure progress in various areas and track the success of the SDGs.
Thanks to their global reach and resources, companies have a great deal of leverage to bring about change. They can align their processes, products and services with the SDGs and inform customers about the background.
However, private individuals and other organizations also play a decisive role. Only through our collective commitment to the SDGs can we make the necessary contribution to a more sustainable future and thus promote positive global development.
The sustainability goals follow a clear logic
The 17 objectives are not random. They can be divided into four main categories that help us to better understand the wide range of topics:
- People: Goals that focus on the well-being and equality of all people.
- Planet: Goals that aim to protect our planet, its natural resources and the climate.
- Prosperity: Goals that promote sustainable economic growth, innovation and infrastructure.
- Peace and partnership: Goals aimed at promoting peaceful communities and effective partnership for the Goals.
Category
Goals
People
- Goal 1: No poverty
- Goal 2: No hunger
- Goal 3: Health and well-being
- Goal 4: High-quality education
- Goal 5: Gender equality
Planet
- Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 13: Climate protection measures
- Goal 14: Life under water
- Goal 15: Life on land
Prosperity
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 10: Fewer inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production patterns
Peace and
Partnership
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 10: Fewer inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production patterns
Pursue Practical Implementation Procedure
The UNSDG goals are about making real change that benefits both your business and society. In times of a shortage of skilled workers, employees also demand meaningful work. By making more positive contributions to society within the framework of the UNSDG, you are also promoting your attractiveness as an employer.
With the following approach you can make a real contribution to a better world without simply jumping on the sustainability bandwagon:
- Understand the goals: Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Everyone in your organization should know what they are about and why they are important.
- Set priorities: Not every goal affects every organization in the same way. Find out which goals are best suited to your activity and where you can have the greatest impact. Concentrate on these in order to bundle your strengths sensibly. Find your top 5 goals.
- Integrate the goals into yourplanning: Include the selected goals in your corporate strategy. Determine how you want to contribute and what specific steps you will take. Set yourself measurable success targets.
- Work together: Seek collaboration with other companies, organizations and local communities. Together you can achieve more and learn from each other.
- Report openly and honestly: Share your progress as well as the challenges you face. Open reporting builds trust with your stakeholders and shows that you are seriously committed.
