The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations Global Goals, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are a set of 17 ambitious goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address the world’s most pressing challenges. These goals provide a universal call to action for countries, organizations, individuals, and institutions to work towards creating a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. But more importantly, they serve as a necessary centerpiece for business models launched by today's social entrepreneurs.

These goals address issues related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Unlike previous global initiatives, the SDGs apply to every country, not just developing nations, emphasizing that global challenges require global solutions. Here’s an overview of the 17 Global Goals:

The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals ("Global Goals")

1. No Poverty

Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, and ensure that everyone has access to basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. (Read More...)

2. Zero Hunger

End hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture, ensuring access to sufficient nutritious food for all. (Read More...)

3. Good Health and Well-Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, reducing mortality rates and addressing health challenges. (Read More...)

4. Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. (Read More...)

5. Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by addressing issues such as discrimination, violence, and unequal access to opportunities. (Read More...)

6. Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. (Read More...)

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. (Read More...)

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. (Read More...)

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. (Read More...)

10. Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries by addressing disparities in income, opportunity, and treatment. (Read More...)

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, addressing issues such as housing, transportation, and urban development. (Read More...)

12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, focusing on the efficient use of resources and reducing waste. (Read More...)

13. Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability. (Read More...)

14. Life Below Water

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources to protect ecosystems and prevent pollution. (Read More...)

15. Life on Land

Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and halt biodiversity loss. (Read More...)

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels. (Read More...)

17. Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development, encouraging collaboration between governments, organizations, and individuals to achieve the goals. (Read More...)

The Vision Behind the Global Goals

The Global Goals offer a holistic approach to addressing the interconnected challenges the world faces. They recognize that economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection are all interdependent. Each goal is connected to the others, creating a roadmap to global sustainability by 2030.

What makes the Global Goals powerful is their universal application. Every nation, rich or poor, is expected to contribute to this collective effort. These goals provide a common framework that allows governments, businesses, non-profits, and civil society to align their efforts toward creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world.

Why the Global Goals Matter to Social Entrepreneurs

For social entrepreneurs, the SDGs serve as a strategic guide to building ventures that align with global priorities. Rather than settling for abstract notions of "making the world a better place", social entrepreneurs can now point to concrete goals that they will engineer their work to achieve. By addressing one or more of these goals, social enterprises can not only pursue a mission-driven business but also contribute to solving some of the world's most critical problems.

In summary, the United Nations Global Goals provide a bold and comprehensive blueprint for making the world a better place by 2030. They are a universal call to action that aligns governments, organizations, and individuals to work together towards sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. And most critically, they are the necessary foundation for today's social entrepreneurs.