Sustainable

Development
Goals (SDGs)
An Easy Reading

Edited By:
Muhammad Rakibul Islam

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development had
been adopted by world leaders in September 2015. It officially came into effect on 1 January 2016.
The SDGs are built on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and over the next
fifteen years will work to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change.
The SDGs, while not being legally binding, are worked upon by governments who are expected to
take ownership and establish national frameworks for achievement of the goals. Countries will work
to implement necessary policies and initiatives for the goals and review the progress made on a regular
basis.
Goal 1

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Goal 3
Goal 4
Goal 5

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Goal 6

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Goal 7

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Goal 8

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all
Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and
foster innovation
Goal 10 Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11 Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12 Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13 Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable
development
Goal 15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably
manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt
biodiversity loss
Goal 16 Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to
justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Goal 17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for
sustainable development

Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere

What is poverty? Although in basic terms it is the lack of income and resources to ensure a sustainable
livelihood, there is more to it looking at the bigger picture. Poverty is demonstrated bythe existence
of hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination
and exclusion as well as the lack of participation in decision-making. Economic growth must be
inclusive to provide sustainable jobs and promote equality.
Statistical overview:
Since the year 1990,
poverty rates have
been reduced by
more than a half.
Although
the
achievement
is
notable, 836 million
people still live in
extreme
poverty.
Moreover, one in
five
people
in
developing regions
still live on less than
$1.25 a day, with a
majority of this
population located
in Southern Asia.

Targets to be achieved:
Goal 1 operates to solve a problem which besides being an individual issue causes further problems
to arise. The major target is to eradicate extreme poverty anywhere in the world by the year 2030. It
has to be mentioned here that extreme poverty is currently measured as the group of population living
on less than $1.25 a day. Except the case of extreme poverty, the goal also looks forward to decreasing
the population of people living in poverty, inclusive of all its dimensions in accordance with national
definitions, by half. Besides this, implementation of social protection system, access to economic
resources, miscellaneous basic services, technology and resilience in vulnerable situations and
disasters. Last but not the least, measures are to be taken for implementation of programs, policies
and strategies by creation of regional, national and international development cooperation.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/poverty/

Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable
agriculture
If done right, agriculture, forestry and fisheries can provide nutritious food for all and generate decent
incomes, while supporting people-centered rural development and protecting the environment. But
due to rapid degradation, disasters like droughts and floods caused by climate change, pressure is being
put onto its utilization.

Statistical overview:
Currently there are 795 million suffering from hunger (about one in every nine people) and an
additional 2 billion people expected by 2050. Southern Asia faces the greatest burden with about 281
million undernourished people. In addition to this agriculture is the single largest employer in the
world.
Targets to be achieved:
The major target is to end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people
in vulnerable situations, by 2030. Besides this by the same year, all forms of malnutrition is to be
ended, agricultural productivity doubled, sustainable good production system ensured, resilient
agricultural practices implemented and capacity for adaption to climate change and other forms of
natural calamities. Moreover, by 2020, genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and
domesticated animals and their related wild species is to be maintained through specified measures.
In addition to these, measures are to be taken for increased access to information, technology &
services, development of agriculture related infrastructure and research, increased international
cooperation, prevention of trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets and last but
not the least ensuring of proper functioning of food commodity markets and their derivatives.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable
development. Significant strides have been made in increasing life expectancy and reducing some of
the common killers associated with child and maternal mortality. Major progress has been made on
increasing access to clean water and sanitation, reducing malaria, tuberculosis, polio and the spread of
HIV/AIDS. However, many more efforts are needed to fully eradicate a wide range of diseases and
address many different persistent and emerging health issues.
Statistical overview:
Although 17,000 fewer children die each day today than in 1990, a staggering number of more than 6
million children still die before their 5th birthday annually. An increasing proportion of these deaths
are in Southern Asia where there is an average of 37.6 deaths per 1000 live births. Moreover, children
born into poverty are almost twice as likely to die before the age of five as those from wealthier
families. Since 1990, much improvement has been brought about for maternal mortality which has
fallen by almost 50%. A major reason for this is that more women are receiving antenatal care. In
developing regions, antenatal care increased from 65 per cent in 1990 to 83 per cent in 2012. But
maternal mortality ratio is yet 14 times higher in developing than in developed regions. For the case
of HIV/AIDS, although new HIV infections among children have declined by 58% since 2001, there
are roughly still 35 million people living with HIV at the end of 2013.
Targets to be achieved:
There are broad targets of Goal 3 which includes reduction of global maternal mortality ratio and end
preventable deaths of newborns under 5, end epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and some few
other diseases by 2030. Also by the year 2030, premature mortality from non-communicable diseases
is to be reduced, universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services ensured and number
of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
substantially reduced. Besides these, strengthening of health based or related programs, support of
research and development, increase of health sector investment and financing, access to quality health
care services and strengthening the capacity of all countries to combat national and global health risks
are some of the targets that are being focused on.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning
Nelson Mandela had said that Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change
the world.Obtaining quality education is a fundamental step towards creating sustainable
development. By now, major progress has already been made for increased access to education and
ensuring of enrollment of more girls and women than ever before. But even after all this improvement,
much work is yet to be done to achieve and ensure (sustainable) quality education.
Statistical overview:
Currently, in developing
nations, primary education
enrollment has reached 91%
which is a big achievement
and yet 57 million children
remain out of school.
Among those who remain
out of school, an estimated
50% of them are living in
conflict-afflicted areas like
Syria and Iraq. Worldwide,
there are 103 million youth
who lack basic literacy skills
with a staggering 60% of
them being women.
Targets to be achieved:
The main target of Goal 4, just as the title would suggest, is ensuring that all girls and boys are able to
attain free, equitable and quality primary as well as secondary education by 2030. Additionally, it aims
to ensure that quality early childhood development, care and preprimary education is made accessible
to all girls and boys. Moreover, there has to be made access for all women and men to affordable and
quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, increasing substantially the number of youth and
adults with relevant skills and eliminating gender disparities in education with equal access for people
with disabilities, indigenous people and children in vulnerable situations. Furthermore, ensuring access
to knowledge and skills for promotion of sustainable development, building effective, safe and
inclusive learning environment for all, substantially expanding global education scholarships for
developing and most importantly the least developed countries. Last but not the least it dictates to
substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers with international cooperation made for training
teachers in developing and again importantly the least developed countries.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Although much improvement has been made in the case for gender equality, there is much more work
to be done and true gender equality to be achieved while empowering all women and girls.
Empowering all women and girls with equal access to education, healthcare, financial services, decent
work and representation in all levels of policy making is key to fueling sustainable economies and
benefit societies and humanity at large as a whole.
Statistical overview:
In developing nations, about two-thirds of them have already achieved primary education gender
parity. Dramatic improvements have been brought about in Southern Asia where from only 74 girls
enrolled for every 100 boys in 1990, the ratios have now been equaled.
Targets to be achieved:
Goal 5 acts to primarily eliminate all forms of discrimination, violence and harmful practices
everywhere in world, against all women and girls. Women contribute heavily to family and engage in
undervalued, unpaid domestic work. This has to be recognized and given value to by promotion,
policy building and provision of various services. In all economic and political spheres, women need
to be given full and effective participation in leadership roles with access to equal opportunities,
resources and services. To enhance and promote empowerment of women and girls, technological
resources, policies and enforceable legislations have to be used. Last but not the least, universal access
to reproductive rights and sexual and reproductive health services have to to be ensured.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/

Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

Clean, accessible water is essential for life and an important part of the world we live in. Although
sufficient fresh water is there on Earth, bad economics, poor infrastructure and international
cooperation lead to it not being accessible for all. Millions of people die every year from inadequate
water supply, sanitation and hygiene related diseases and difficulties. Poor water quality and scarcity
not only is an individual problem but negatively impacts other issues like food security, ecological
balance and livelihood choices across the globe for poor people.
Statistical overview:
Although since 1990 2.6
billion people have gained
access
to
improved
drinking water sources,
there are still 663 million
people without it. Water
scarcity currently affects
more than 40% of the
global population is a
number that is projected to
increase. Moreover, greater
than 80% of human activity
produced wastewater is
discharged into water
bodies without any proper
pollutant removal. This
leads to spreading of
diseases and reduced access
to clean water as the water
bodies of Earth is the
primary source of water for
drinking and sanitation yet
for many.
Targets to be achieved:
By 2030, universal, equitable and adequate access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation and
hygiene for all, improvement of water quality and water-use efficiency across all sectors with
sustainable practices has to be achieved. Besides these integrated water resources management at all
levels has to be implemented and international cooperation and capacity building support to
developing countries has to be expanded by the same year. By 2020, water-related ecosystems are to
be protected and restored. Moreover, participation of local communities in improving water and
sanitation management is to be supported and strengthened.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Energy is essential for almost all day to day activities of our modern day lives. Whether it is for
communication, security, transportation or even climate change, access to energy is needed. But the
problem is that energy needs to be affordable & reliable and more importantly sustainable as our
conventional sources of energy are scarce, non-renewable resources which will run out.
The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is leading a Sustainable Energy for All initiative.
This will be ensuring universal access to modern energy services, increase use of renewable sources
and improve efficiency.
Statistical overview:
Globally, one in five
people lack access to
modern
electricity.
Even today about 3
billion people are
reliant on wood, coal,
charcoal or animal
waste for cooking and
heating. Energy does
come with a price
though. It is the
dominant contributor
to climate change by
being around 60% of
total contributor to
global
greenhouse
emission.

Targets to be achieved:
By the year 2030, universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy has to be ensured while
increasing renewable energy production substantially by increasing international cooperation to
facilitate access to clean access to clean & renewable research and technology. Rate of global energy
efficiency improvement has to be doubled and expansion of infrastructure & upgrading of technology
for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing, especially in least
developed countries ensured.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/

Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work
for all
Currently about half of the worlds population lives on roughly about US$2 a day. Having a job
necessarily does not guarantee escaping from poverty and there is a continued lack of decent work
opportunities and insufficient investments in too many places in the world. Developed, developing or
least developed, whatever the type of economy almost all will have major challenges in the creation of
quality jobs. Creation of sustainable economic cultures are hence important which will stimulate
economic growth and prosperity.

Statistical overview:
From 170 million in
2007 to nearly 202
million in 2012, global
unemployment
figures have risen with
about 75 million of
them being young
women and men.
market.

Source: World Bank | GDP growth (annual %)

Targets to be achieved:
Per capita economic growth is needed to be sustained and particularly at least 7% GDP growth per annum in
least developed countries. Higher levels of economic productivity are to be achieved through diversification,
technological innovation and upgrading, focus on high-value added & labor-intensive sectors and promotion
of development-oriented policies and services. Also through 2030 global resource efficiency is to be improved,
full end productive employment and decent work for all achieved and proportion of youth unemployed
reduced. Force labor has to be eradicated through immediate and effective measures while protecting labor
rights and promoting safe and secure working environments. Sustainable tourism practices are to be devised
and implemented for creation of more jobs and promote local culture and products. Increased domestic
financial services are to be created and Aid for Trade support increased for developing, in particular least
developed countries. Also by 2020, a global strategy for youth employment is to be developed and
operationalized and the Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization (ILO) implemented.

For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/economic-growth/

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster

innovation
With over half of world population living in cities, it is needless to say that sustained investment in
infrastructure and innovation are crucial for economic development & growth. Building sustainable
industries, investing in scientific research and bringing in technological progress can facilitate
sustainable development.
Statistical overview:
Globally, especially in developing
countries, infrastructure basics
like
roads,
ICT
services,
sanitation, and electricity access
remain scarce. About 2.6 billion
people have difficulty in electricity
access full time, 2.5 billion lack
access to basic sanitation, 800
million lack access to water, 1-1.5
billion have no access to reliable
phone services and more than 4
billion still have no access to
internet. This is just some of the
infrastructure related difficulties
existent in the world hampering
sustainable
development
&
innovation.
Targets to be achieved:
Goal 9 aims to develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructures while promoting
inclusive and sustainable industrialization, raising significantly industrys share of employment and
GDP. Small-scale industries and other enterprises, particularly in developing countries, is to be
provided with increased access to financial credit. Scientific research & innovation is to be promoted
& enhanced and technological capabilities of industrial sectors increased in all countries although
emphasis is to be given to developing ones. Access to information and communications technology
is to be significantly increased with affordable internet access provided in least developed countries
by 2020.
For detailed information
industrialization/

visit:

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/infrastructure-

Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries

Although lately the world has seen much emphasis and effort to help lift people out of poverty, the
problem of inequality still remains and causes large disparities in access to different services and assets.
Additionally, while there is now reduced income inequality between countries those within countries
have risen. To reduce inequality, policies should be universal in principle paying attention to the needs
of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.
Statistical overview:
Between 1990 and 2010,
on average while taking
into account population
size, income inequality in
developing
countries
increased by 11%. More
than
75%
of
the
population in developing
countries is living now in
societies where income is
more
unequally
distributed than it was in
the 1990s. Based on
evidence it is known that
inequality harms growth,
poverty reduction and
quality of public &
political relations beyond
a certain threshold. An
example of the inequality is how evidence from developing countries show that children in poorest
20% of populations are 3 times more likely to die before their 5th birthday than children in the richest
portion of the population. Moreover, women in rural areas are 3 times more likely to die while giving
birth than those living in urban centers.
Targets to be achieved:
Firstly, by 2030 income growth has to be progressively achieved and sustained for bottom 40% of
population at higher rates than national average. Moreover, social, economic, political inclusion for all
irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status has to be
empowered and promoted. Equal opportunities are to be ensured and discriminatory laws, policies
and practices eliminated. Fiscal, wage and social protection policies have to be adopted and regulation
and monitoring of global financial markets and institutions improved. Developing countries have to
have enhanced representation and voice in international economic and financial institutions. Official
development assistance and financial flows to countries that require them the most is to be
encouraged. Also the transaction costs of migrant remittances are to be reduced to 3% and remittance
corridors with costs higher than 5% eliminated.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/inequality/

Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Cities are centers for economic and social growth, development and advancement. They are hubs for
ideas, innovation, commerce culture, science and much more. However, challenges exist in case of
maintaining cities for creating jobs and prosperity. Problems like congestion, shortage of adequate
housing and transportation services exist.

Statistical overview:
Today half of the human population, about 3.5 billion people, lives in cities while by 2030 almost 60%
of the world population will live in urban areas. Urban expansion in the next decades will account for
95% of urban expansion in developing world. Today there are about 828 million people living in slums
today a number that is on the rise. While globally cities account for 3% of Earths land, 60-80% of
energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions are accounted for by cities.
Targets to be achieved:
By 2030 access has to be provided and ensured for all to adequate, safe, affordable and sustainable
housing, transport systems and green and public spaces. Sustainable and inclusive urbanization
planning and management in all countries has to be enhanced. Disaster caused number of deaths,
people affected and directed economic losses is to be significantly decreased. Adverse per capita
environmental impact of cities while supporting positive economic, social and environmental links
between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by national & regional development planning strengthening.
For the case of least developed countries, financial and technical assistance is to be increased to
provide support. Moreover, number of cities and settlements adopting and implementing plans and
policies for inclusion, mitigation, climate change adaptation, resilience to disasters and overall a
sustainable environment is to be substantially increased. Furthermore, efforts to protect the worlds
natural and cultural heritage is to be strengthened.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/cities/

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Sustainable consumption
and production promotes
resources, energy efficiency,
sustainable infrastructures,
and provision of basic
services, green and decent
jobs. It aims at doing more
and better with less by
reducing resource use while
increasing net welfare gains
from economic activities.

Source: FAO

Statistical overview:
An estimated one thirds of all food produced globally goes to waste each year. This is the case while
there are 1 billion undernourished people in the world while another 1 billion hungry. Sustainable
practices can lead to improving this situation and help end hunger while creating an economic return
as well. At current rates, given that world population reaches 9.6 billion by 2050, we would need
equivalent of 3 planets to provide natural resources to maintain our lifestyles. Less than 3% of worlds
water is fresh (drinkable) with 2.5% frozen. Humans rely only on this 0.5% while polluting it faster
than nature can purify it. Meanwhile, energy use in OECD countries will, by 2020, grow by another
35% despite all energy efficiency gains promotion. Hence there is the need for sustainable sources of
energy production to account for all this demand.
Targets to be achieved:
By 2030, sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources has to be achieved while
reducing by half per capita global food waste, substantially reducing waste generation and ensuring
that people everywhere have equal access to relevant information and awareness for sustainable
development and practices. Companies, public procurement agencies, energy production industries all
have to be strengthened in terms of applying sustainable practices & patterns. Efforts to strengthen
scientific &technological capacity for sustainable patterns of consumption and production has to be
supported specially in developing countries. Moreover, effective tools have to be developed and
implemented to monitor sustainable development practices and its impact.
For detailed information
consumption-production/

visit:

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Climate change has now reached a stage where it is simply beyond a simple threat. It is affecting every
country on the planet, affecting lives and causing changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, rising
average world surface temperatures and creating extreme weather events. It is a global challenge and
threat that requires much attention.
Statistical overview:
From the year 1880 to 2012
there has been a 0.85C
increased in average global
temperature while oceans have
warmed, snow and ice amounts
diminished and rising sea
levels.
Moreover,
global
emissions of carbon dioxide
(CO2) have increased by
almost 50% since 1990. It is
likely that by end of this
century increase in global
temperature will exceed 1.5C
compared to 1850 to 1900
given current concentrations
and on-going emissions of
greenhouse gases.
Targets to be achieved:
Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries has to
be strengthened while integrating climate change measured into national policies, planning and
strategies. Education, awareness-raising and institutional and human capacity on climate change
mitigation, adaptation, early warning and impact reduction has to be improved. Attention for these
have to be paid heavily for the case of least developed countries. Also the commitment undertaken by
developed-country parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to jointly mobilize
$100 billion annually 2020 from all sources has to be implemented to address needs of developing
countries and implement and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change-2/

Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
The worlds oceans their temperature, currents, chemistry and life are responsible for driving
global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Careful management of these bodies are
hence required for a sustainable future.
Statistical overview:
Oceans cover 3/4th of the Earths
surface, 97% of its water and
represent 99% of living space on the
planet by volume while 3 billion
people depend on its biodiversity for
their livelihoods. Market value of
global marine and coastal resources &
industries is estimated at $3 trillion per
year (5% of global GDP). Although
there are currently nearly 200,000
identified species in oceans, actual
numbers may lie in the millions.
Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon
dioxide produced by humans and
hence buffering impacts of global
warming. 3 billion people globally
depend on oceans as their primary
source of protein while 200 million
people are directly or indirectly
employed by marine fisheries. While
the ocean accounts for all these,
human activities are heavily affecting
as much as 40% of the world oceans.
sustainability.water.ca.gov

Source:

www.

Targets to be achieved:
Measures have to be taken to significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds while sustainably
managing and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems. Harvesting has to be effectively regulated
and overfishing, illegal, unreported, unregulated and destructive fishing practices have to be ended.
Conservation and sustainable usage of coastal and marine areas has to be enhanced and economic
benefits increased specially to small island developing & least developed countries & states from
sustainable usage of marine resources. Scientific knowledge needs to be further developed with
research capacity and technology developed again specially for the case of small island developing &
least developed countries & states.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/oceans

Goal 15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land
degradation, halt biodiversity loss
30% of Earths surface is covered by forests while providing food security and shelter. But human
activities and climate change has been causing deforestation and desertification which pose major
challenge to the worlds forests.

Statistical overview:
There are around 1.6 billion people in the world who rely on forests for their livelihood. 80% of all
terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects dwell in forests. Unfortunately, 13 million hectares of
forests are lost annually while 3.6 billion hectares has undergone desertification. 1.5 billion people
globally have been affected as of 2008 due to land degradation. For the case of biodiversity, of the
8,300 animal breeds known, 8% are already extinct and another 22% at risk of extinction.
Targets to be achieved:
Conservation, restoration and sustainable management of all types of forests and their ecosystems has
to be promoted and ensured. Desertification has to be combatted and degraded land & soil restored.
Action has to be taken to reduce degradation of natural habitats, stop biodiversity loss and extinction
of threatened species protected and prevented. Ecosystem and biodiversity values have to be
integrated into national and local planning, policies and development processes. Financial resources
have to be both significantly increased and mobilized for conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity and ecosystems.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/

Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

SDG 16 is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
access to justice for all and building effective accountable institutions at all levels.

Statistical overview:
The Judiciary and police are the most corruption affected institutions. It cost some US$1.26 trillion
for developing countries per year due to corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion. In 2011, rate of
children leaving primary school in conflict affected countries reached 50% (28.5 million children
worldwide) a number that is highly alarming.
Targets to be achieved:
All forms of violence and related death, abuse and trafficking have to be significantly reduced and in
the case of children completely ended. Rule of law internationally and nationally has to be promoted
ensuring equal access to justice for all. Illicit financial and arms flow, corruption and bribery in all their
forms have to be significantly reduced. Institutions at all levels have to be made effective, accountable
and transparent while ensuring responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making
at all levels. Participation of developing countries in global governance institutions has to be
broadened and strengthened. Legal identity has to be provided for all which includes birth registration.
Public access to information had to be ensured and fundamental freedoms protected. Relevant
national institutions have to be strengthened including through international cooperation particularly
in developing countries. Non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development has to be
promoted and enforced.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/peace-justice/

Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society are vital for a successful
sustainable development agenda. The world requires urgent action to mobilize, redirect and unlock
the transformative power of trillions of dollars of private resources to deliver on sustainable
development objectives. To achieve this strong global partnerships are a requirement.
Statistical overview:
In
2014,
official
development
assistance
stood at $135.2 billion.
Developing countries could
export 79% of their goods to
developed countries dutyfree. Developing countries
also had a stable debt burden
at about 3% of export
revenue. The number of
internet users in Africa in the
past four years has almost
doubled. Active online for at
least five years, 30% of the
worlds youth are digital
natives. Yet more four
billion people are there in the
world who do not use the
internet while 90% of them
are
from
developing
countries.
Targets to be achieved:
Resource mobilization, including through international support to developing countries has to be
strengthened. Developed countries have to fully implement their official development assistance
commitments. Additional financial resources for developing countries have to be mobilized from
multiple sources and attainment of long-term debt sustainability has to be assisted. Access to science
technology, innovation & information through regional, national and international cooperation has to
be enhanced specially for case of least developed countries. Trading systems have to be promoted to
be made universal, rules-based, non-discriminatory and equitable and exports of developing
particularly least developed countries exports have to be significantly increased. Global
macroeconomic stability, sustainable development policy coherence and global partnership for
sustainable development have to be enhanced. Public, public-private and civil society partnerships
have to be encouraged and promoted. Last but not the least, existing initiatives to develop
measurements of progress on sustainable development have to be further developed.
For detailed information visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/globalpartnerships/

Take Action!
The Simple Guide to Saving the World
The SDGs will help eradicate poverty, tackle climate change, empower women and girls and what not!
Although primary efforts will come from governments to act upon achievement of the goals, you can
contribute as well! Below is a list of some simple activities that you can do and help save the world!
Things you can do from your couch

Save electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely
when not in use, including your computer.
Stop paper bank statements and pay your bills online or via mobile. No paper, no need for
forest destruction.
Share, dont just like. If you see an interesting social media post about womens rights or
climate change, share it so folks in your network see it too.
Speak up! Ask your local and national authorities to engage in initiatives that dont harm people
or the planet. Ahead of the Climate Change conference in Paris you can sign this petition
asking leaders to reach an agreement to lower their carbon emissions.
Dont print. See something online you need to remember? Jot it down in a notebook or better
yet a digital post-it note and spare the paper.
Turn off the lights. Your TV or computer screen provides a cozy glow, so turn off other lights
if you dont need them.
Do a bit of online research and buy only from companies that you know have sustainable
practices and dont harm the environment.
Report online bullies. If you notice harassment on a message board or in a chat room, flag
that person.
Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on
social media at @GlobalGoalsUN.
Tell us about your actions to achieve the global goals by using the hashtag #globalgoals on
social networks.
Offset your carbon emissions! You can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase climate
credit from Climate Neutral Now.

Things you can do at home

Air dry. Let your hair and clothes dry naturally instead of running a machine. If you do wash
your clothes, make sure the load is full.
Take short showers. Bathtubs require gallons more water than a 5-10 minute shower.
Eat less meat, poultry, and fish. More resources are used to provide meat than plants
Freeze fresh produce and leftovers if you dont have the chance to eat them before they go
bad. You can also do this with take-away or delivered food, if you know you will not feel like
eating it the next day. You will save food and money.
Compostcomposting food scraps can reduce climate impact while also recycling nutrients.
Recycling paper, plastic, glass & aluminum keeps landfills from growing.
Buy minimally packaged goods.
Avoid pre-heating the oven. Unless you need a precise baking temperature, start heating your
food right when you turn on the oven.

Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency

Adjust your thermostat, lower in winter, higher in summer
Replace old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs
If you have the option, install solar panels in your house. This will also reduce your electricity
bill!
Get a rug. Carpets and rugs keep your house warm and your thermostat low.
Dont rinse. If you use a dishwasher, stop rinsing your plates before you run the machine.
Choose a better diaper option. Swaddle your baby in cloth diapers or a new, environmentally
responsible disposable brand.
Shovel snow manually. Avoid the noisy, exhaust-churning snow blower and get some exercise.
Use cardboard matches. They dont require any petroleum, unlike plastic gas-filled lighters.

Things you can do outside your house

Shop local. Supporting neighborhood businesses keeps people employed and helps prevent
trucks from driving far distances.
Shop Smartplan meals, use shopping lists and avoid impulse buys. Dont succumb to
marketing tricks that lead you to buy more food than you need, particularly for perishable
items. Though these may be less expensive per ounce, they can be more expensive overall if
much of that food is discarded.
Buy Funny Fruitmany fruits and vegetables are thrown out because their size, shape, or
color are not right. Buying these perfectly good funny fruit, at the farmers market or
elsewhere, utilizes food that might otherwise go to waste.
When you go to a restaurant and are ordering seafood always ask: Do you serve sustainable
seafood? Let your favorite businesses know that ocean-friendly seafoods on your shopping
list.
Shop only for sustainable seafood. There are now many apps like this one that will tell you
what is safe to consume.
Bike, walk or take public transport. Save the car trips for when youve got a big group.
Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup. Cut down on waste and maybe even save money
at the coffee shop.
Bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the plastic bag and start carrying your own
reusable totes.
Take fewer napkins. You dont need a handful of napkins to eat your takeout. Take just what
you need.
Shop vintage. Brand-new isnt necessarily best. See what you can repurpose from second-hand
shops.
Maintain your car. A well-tuned car will emit fewer toxic fumes.
Donate what you dont use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and
furniture a new life.
Vaccinate yourself and your kids. Protecting your family from disease also aids public health.
Take advantage of your right to elect the leaders in your country and local community.

Primary sources of information:

[1] https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org
[2] http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/