1st week: What is Sustainable Development?

Background of Sustainable Development 

    Do you know what is sustainable development? In September 2015, 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously agreed on a new set of goals. The new goals are called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which started a global effort in 2000. 

The MDGs are for:

1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. 

2) Achieve universal primary education. 

3) Promote gender equality and empower women. 

4) Reduce child mortality.

5) Improve maternal health.

6) Combat HIV / AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.

7) Ensure environmental sustainability.

8) Global partnership for development.

    The MDGs have made significant progress and achievement in several important areas in the last 15 years (2000 - 2015). However, in order to shift the world into a more sustainable path in the next 15 years (2016 - 2030) and finish what has been started, SDGs are created. 

Transition from the MDGs to the SDGs

Definition of Sustainable Development

    Sustainable means 'able to maintains'. Sustainable Development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The SDGs established a universally agreed goals to address some of the more pressing challenges facing the world today by integrating the three pillars of sustainability namely social progress, economic growth and environmental protection.

The 5P dimensions that make up SDGs are people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership.

Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 sustainable development goals are:

1) No poverty

- Economic growth must be inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality. We should donate what we don't use to other people in need. 

2) Zero hunger

- Waste less food and support local farmers to eradicate hunger and poverty. 

3) Good health and well-being

- Vaccination is essential to ensure healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all people at all ages. 

4) Quality education

- A quality education is a foundation to improve people’s lives. 

5) Gender equality

- Empower women and girls and ensure their equal rights for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

6) Clean water and sanitation

- Avoid wasting water as clean and accessible water is an essential part of the world everyone want to live in.

7) Affordable and clean energy

- People are encouraged to use only energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. 

8) Decent work and economic growth

- Create job opportunities for youth and the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure

- Investments in infrastructure are crucial. Fund projects that provide basic infrastructure like roads, water, sanitation and electricity. 

10) Reduced inequalities

- Policies should be universal in principle and paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

11) Sustainable cities and communities

- Cities provide opportunities for all with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more. People are encouraged to bike, walk or use public transportation to avoid polluted air. 

12) Responsible consumption and production

- Recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminium to avoid things that give destructive impacts on the planet. 

13) Climate action

- Awareness of global warming and start acting to stop it as climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone and everywhere. 

14) Life below water

- Avoid plastic bags to keep the oceans clean. 

15) Life on land

- Plant a tree and help protect the environment as forests are home to most of terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. 

16) Peace, justice and strong institutions

- Access justice for all and build effective and responsible institutions at all levels. Stand up for human rights to reduce war, persecution and conflict.

17) Partnerships for the goals

- Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Watch this video to get an overview of sustainable development: