Understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (Part III)

If you have been following my Social Development Goals (SDGs) series, you would realise at this point that an inclusive, all hands approach is what the world needs to achieve these SDG targets by 2030.

In order to achieve a near termination of hunger and poverty and better education about gender equality and our well-being, ideally, we must all be actively involved in educating ourselves about the latest news on the SDGs and play our role, no matter how small.

The remaining SDGs, from sustainable communities to partnerships needed to achieve the goals are below:

SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities

The world is currently experiencing a major rise in population and an increase in migration. It is estimated that by 2050, more than two-thirds of the world’s population will be urban.

In order to make the world ‘livable’, we must adequately plan for the sustainability of our environs.

Some targets are:

• To ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable basic housing services.
• To upgrade public services like transportation, keeping in mind the needs of those in vulnerable situations like women, children, and persons with disabilities.

SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production

Did you know that agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide? Irrigation claims about 70% of all freshwater. We need to disrupt our present mode of consumption and production of goods.

We must reduce our waste products through the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), and efficiently manage our natural resources.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

No country is exempt from the negative effects of climate change. The aim of SDG 13 is to combat climate change by integrating climate change measures into national policies and ensuring a spread in education and awareness in mitigating climate change.

The energy sector (sustainable energy) on its own is capable of creating more than 18 million jobs by 2030.

SDG 14&15 — Life Below Water and Life on Land

These SDGs seek to enforce the sustainability of our marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Oceans take in about 30% of the carbon dioxide we produce, this in turn increases the acidity of the ocean and makes living hard for its organisms.

Our forests will equally play a major role in our success by 2030. We have to find ways to reduce deforestation, desertification, and protect endangered species of animals that help the food chain stay balanced. Forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial species of plants, animals, and insects.

SDG 16 — Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Did you know that corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion cost developing countries US$1.26 trillion per year?

The ultimate goal of SDG 16 is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development by providing access to justice for all and building effective and accountable institutions at all levels.

SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

The aim of SDG 17 is to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development by utilizing various segments viz; Finance, Technology, Capacity Building, and Trade.

As I’d earlier stated, we can only attain these sustainable goals with strong cooperation. This will also mean making responsible investments, accessing or giving adequate education and information, and making smart trades. It is estimated that $5-$7trillion will need to be invested annually for us to achieve all SDGs.