Back in 2015 the UN defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in what came to be called Agenda 2030.
It is a broad and ambitious agenda that addresses several aspects of sustainable development (social, economic, environmental) and promotes peace, justice and effective institutions.
“Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere” is the primary objective of this agenda. It is followed by “ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture”, while “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages” is the third goal, just before “ensuring quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
Equally important are “achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls”, “ensuring access to water and sanitation for all” and “ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”.
On a different level are “promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all” and “building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation”.
The 10th goal is devoted to “reducing inequality within and among countries”. The UN also seeks to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” and “ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”.
Other equally important areas are not neglected in this 2030 Agenda, including “taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” and the “conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources”. The United Nations also believes it is important to “sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss” and “promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies”.
The final goal is to “revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development”. Seven years have passed since the launch of this common agenda. All these objectives, without exception, remain valid and current. Time is running out for humanity.