2018/12/14 Dresden, Germany
Design: Claudia Matthias/UNU-FLORES
As we say goodbye to 2018, it is time we reflect and set goals for the year to come. We already have the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the #GlobalGoals for people and the planet – they need renewed resolve.
Campaign in action on social media (Design: Claudia Matthias/UNU-FLORES)
This new year, make a #GlobalGoals resolution: download one or more of these digital cards and share among your community!
783 million: Number of people in extreme poverty To end poverty in all forms, we can start by giving up more of our time to the cause. Whether it is volunteering to increase access to basic resources and services or supporting vulnerable communities, we can already make a difference. |
75%: Crop diversity loss since 1900s Ending hunger goes beyond feeding those in need – we need to invest in the sustainable intensification of agriculture, including the safe use of wastewater in agriculture, integration of organic waste into small-holder farming or water productivity in irrigated agriculture. |
Health means wealth Achieving good health and well-being is fundamental to a productive life. As city life progressively takes over with increasing urbanisation, making time for oneself becomes ever more crucial. |
Education: Most powerful vehicle for sustainable development Empowering more people to act serves to benefit our global pursuit for sustainable development. Quality education gives people the tools to better contribute both in their community and to the grander purpose. |
Giving a voice to all Achieving gender equality is critical to the delivery of many, if not all the SDGs. Giving a voice to all means empowering everyone independent of gender identity and not to leave anyone behind. |
40%: Global population affected by water scarcity By understanding the value of water, we would be able to better appreciate what it takes for us to achieve clean water and sanitation. Whether it’s learning more about water quality indicators and monitoring, nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment, monitoring of rural water supply systems, or groundwater quality in wastewater treatment systems, there is enough knowledge out there to start us out. |
60%: Contribution of energy to greenhouse gas emissions The energy we consume for our daily routines contributes greatly to climate change. How we manage our resources – including renewables – determines how well we will move closer to attaining affordable and clean energy. |
Decent work for sustainable livelihoods Inclusive development demands that we provide the conditions conducive for higher productivity levels and innovation. Promoting decent work and economic growth starts at our own workplaces. |
130 Empire State buildings: Equivalent weight of toxic garbage disposed globally in a year As we invest in industry, innovation, and infrastructure, we need to ensure that our efforts continue to be sustainable – examples include setting up a resources bank or simply reducing e-waste by giving it a second life. |
Reduce inequalities in various forms Inequalities exist in many major forms in societies globally – income, ethnic, social, among others. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and getting acquainted with something new is a first step when fighting for social justice. |
60%: Global population residing in cities by 2030 From sustainable waste management to ensuring resilient infrastructure, it takes collaborative work to build sustainable cities and communities. |
Go for quality, not quantity Let’s not let our new year go to waste! Using natural resources efficiently and generating less waste will go a long way – responsible production and consumption start with, for example, integrating organic waste and wastewater into energy production and a nexus-oriented waste management. |
Years 2013–2017: Highest average global temperature on record Climate action begins with our day-to-day. We can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through simple actions such as cycling instead of driving and eating less meat. We do not have to be climate scientists who mitigate climate impacts to play our part. |
Over 5 trillion: Pieces of plastic currently littering the ocean Less plastic used means less plastic ends up in our oceans. Life below water can also benefit from more sustainable fisheries and marine resource management. |
2.6 billion: Number of people depending on agriculture for a living By paying attention to how our food is produced, we support life on land by ensuring sustainable land systems, such as through managing multifunctional land-use systems to secure soil- and water-related ecosystem services, particularly in dryland areas. |
No justice, no peace There is no sustainable development without peace, justice, and strong institutions. As citizens, our participation is instrumental in shaping the societies we want to live in. |
USD 5 trillion: Annual investment needed to achieve SDGs The sharing of not just the cost but also the responsibility among all stakeholders – governments, communities, citizens alike – are necessary to ensure we leave no one behind in achieving sustainable development for all. |
The Ocean Cleanup. 2018. “Home.”
United Nations. 2018. “The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2018.” New York, USA: United Nations.
United Nations Development Programme. 2018. “Sustainable Development Goals.”
World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 2018. “WMO Statement on the state of the global climate in 2017.” Geneva, Switzerland: WMO.