In 2012, the United Nations established 17 universal goals to respond to the social, economic and environmental challenges facing people and the planet: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This will help us build a world that is sustainable as a whole. That is not only essential for people and planet. In practice, it is also becoming increasingly clear that employees wish to work for a company committed to making a positive impact on people and planet. What are the SDGs and how do you implement them in your company?
The 17 United Nations SDGs: An overview and their meaning
In this blog, you will find the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. We also give a brief description of what they represent.
SDG 1. No poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG 2. No hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition. So, promote sustainable agriculture.
SDG 3. Good health and well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages.
SDG 4. Quality education: Ensure inclusive and equal quality education. Promote lifelong learning for everyone as well.
SDG 5. Gender equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
SDG 6. Clean water and sanitation: Ensure both availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for everyone.
SDG 7. Affordable and sustainable energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for everyone.
SDG 8. Decent work and economic growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Also promote complete and productive employment and finally decent work for everyone.
SDG 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure and promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation. So, promote innovation.
SDG 10. Reduce inequality: Reduce inequality within and between countries.
SDG 11. Sustainable cities and communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
SDG 12. Responsible consumption and production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDG 13. Climate action: Take urgent measures to combat climate change and also its consequences.
SDG 14. Life below water: Maintain and make sustainable use of the oceans and seas. In addition, take care of maritime resources for sustainable development.
SDG 15. Life on land: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems. Manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and stop land degradation and biodiversity loss.
SDG 16. Peace, justice and strong public services: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. In addition, ensure access to justice for everyone and create effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
SDG 17. Partnership to achieve goals: Revive the global partnership for sustainable development. We need to strengthen mutual implementation of the SDGs. After all, together you are stronger than alone.
Agenda 2023: Building a sustainable well-being policy with the UN SDGs
In short, the SDGs represent a collective effort to address global challenges by 2030.
Do you wanta sustainable well-being policy both your company and your employees benefit from?In our People Sustainability programme, we draw up a plan of action for a year tailored to your company together, connected to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs).
