No more poverty, clean energy and a good environment. Explore the journey of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a global initiative adopted by all 193 UN member states in 2015. Discover all 17 goals and how they can help to achieve a better future for all.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure their progress. The aim is that all developing, emerging and industrialized countries have reached all 17 goals by 2030.
The SDG are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which includes five core messages as guiding principles for sustainable Development on a global scale: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.
History of the Sustainable Development Goals
Origins and Predecessors
In 1987, the Brundtland Commission, formally known as the World Commission on Environment and Development, released the report “Our Common Future.” This report popularized the concept of sustainable development and highlighted the need for an integrated approach to development that considers economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
The Millennium Summit held at the United Nations in 2000 resulted in the adoption of the Millennium Declaration. This led to the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), a set of eight international development goals to be achieved by 2015. The MDG focused on reducing extreme poverty, improving health and education, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Transition to the SDG
In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development marked a significant turning point. The conference resulted in the document “The Future We Want”. This called for the development of a set of universal goals that would build on the MDG and address a broader range of sustainable development issues.
One year later, the UN General Assembly established the Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals, comprising representatives from 70 countries. The OWG was tasked with developing a proposal for the SDG.
In 2014, the OWG submitted its proposal for 17 SDG and 169 targets to the UN General Assembly. This proposal served as the basis for intergovernmental negotiations in 2015 to refine and finalize the SDG.
Adoption of the SDG
In September 2015, the SDG and the 2030 Agenda were accepted during the UN Summit for Sustainable Development. It received united support from each of the 193 UN member states. They came into action for all UN members only a few months later, on January 1, 2016, with 15 years to accomplish them all.
The 17 SDG Goals
- No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
- Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
- Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
- Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
- Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
- Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
- Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
- Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
These goals are designed to be a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all by addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Our Role in the SDG
Committed to a Sustainable Future
At Teamfit, we are passionately committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our business operations, products, and partnerships, we actively support the objectives of Agenda 2030, striving to create a more sustainable future for all. A prime example of our dedication is our expanding array of sustainability challenges, featuring tasks such as car-free weeks, reducing food waste, and energy-saving tips. These challenges provide companies with an excellent opportunity to integrate SDGs into their operations. With creative approaches and practical solutions, we inspire teams to adopt sustainable practices and embrace their environmental responsibilities. Additionally, Teamfit offers the option to donate accumulated activity points towards sustainable projects. Through our business practices, products, and partnerships, we aim to promote the Agenda 2030 goals and build a better future for everyone. Together, we can make a significant contribution to a more just and sustainable world.
