The Importance of SDGs in 21st Century Development

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SDG AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN TWENTY FIRST CENTURY
DEVELOPMENT
1. What are the SDGs and why are they important for twenty-first-century development?
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
Reference List..................................................................................................................................9
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Introduction
SDG or sustainable development goals include 17 goals formulated by UN General Assembly
for developments by 2030. These goals are refereed global goals, which are universal actions to
be carried out for overall development of the planet. These seventeen goals are developed based
on success criteria of Millennium Development Goals with a combination of new areas
including justice, peace, innovation, economic inequality, climate change and others.
Implementation of SDGs shall help to accomplish reduce future economic and social cost and
strengthen world economy. The essay shall provide an overview and concept of SDGs along
with their importance in the 21st century. Some practical evidences will be provided to support
SDGs.
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Discussion
United National General Assembly developed SDGs in 2015 as an integral part of the agenda for
2030. Goals formulated under this agenda include gender equality, quality education, zero
hunger, good health, clean and affordable energy, economic growth and others. These goals are
interdependent and broad based. In order to track progress and development under these goals,
the University of Oxford has published a tracker namely “SDG- tracker”. UN has included 169
targets under these 17 goals (Nilsson et al., 2016). Each target owns an indicator between one
and three, which can be used to determine and measure progress. Around 232 indicators are
present to measure compliance. Detail description of each goal and its importance are being
discussed in following paragraphs.
17 types of SDG are there, which are zero hunger, good health and well-being, no poverty,
gender equality, economic growth and decent work, reduced inequality, life on land, climate
action, quality education, sanitation and clean water, innovation, industry and infrastructure,
clean energy, responsible production, partnership for achieving goal, justice and peace strong
institution and sustainable cities and communities (un.org, 2019). These goals are helpful in
order to bring development in the different nations.
As per the viewpoint of Assembly (2015), poverty rate in global aspects is around 11% and the
first goal of sustainable development is to eradicate poverty by 2030. Another target under this
goal is to develop gender-sensitive development strategies for the poor people, so that they can
live appropriately. On the other hand, in order to achieve zero hunger goals, agricultural
productivity will be increased within 2030. In addition to this, within 2020, genetic diversity in
the seeds will be introduced for increasing food production in the nations.
The actual target of good health is to reduce maternal mortality ratio and provide proper health
service to all the people in global context. Moreover, Public Health and TRIPS requirement ( Liu
et al., 2016). Good health also supports another goal, which is sanitisation and clean water. Their
target is to provide safe water to people so that people can avoid any kind of illness. The
education rate will be developed including people, who have disability in learning. It will help to
develop the society effectively. As commented by Hák et al. (2016), quality education helps in
maintaining gender equality in different nationals. The reason behind it is that, educated people
know the importance of maintaining equality in the country and it helps to develop the society
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lucratively. The main aim of this target is to empower women in the contemporary world, which
indicates the development of the entire society.
On the other hand, Keesstra et al. (2016) mentioned that modern energy service will be provided
and renewable energy will be used in order to protect environment. Legal rules will be followed
for reducing crime from the country or nation. Moreover in the workplace, diversity and equality
will be maintained for reducing inequality. It will also help to bring development in economic
growth. Therefore, it can be stated that introduction of industry and innovation enhances
economic growth in global context (Gupta and Vegelin, 2016). Advanced technology is able to
increase the quality of products, which in turn, makes the industrial base strong. Perception
related to Partnership is highlighted as it develops collaborative nature among people.
Thus, 17 types of SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) would help the different help nations to
develop their position in the global platform. Development of society such as removing gender
inequality, developing education rate reflects on the economic growth of the country. In case 17
goals are achieved within proposed time, it will be helpful for getting fruitful outcome.
Various reasons are observed related to developing SDGs for achieving success in the twenty
first century market. In the twenty first century, advanced technology is used in order to run the
organisations under various industries in an effective manner. According to Nilsson et al. (2016),
advanced technology snitches the employment of the general people. Therefore, providing
proper education along with technological training, general people would be able to use
technology in the venture. It helps to secure their employment effectively, which, in turn,
contributes to the economic growth of the country. On the other hand, Khalili et al. (2015) stated
that many people are there, are suffering from poverty, it leaves negative impact on the nation. If
employment is offered to the people, it can reduce poverty rate. This concept highlights the ninth
goal, which is of industry, innovation and infrastructure development. Thus, economic
development can be achieved within 2030.
Education and no hunger goal help to develop the society of twenty first century effectively. As
argued by Biermann et al. (2017), if proper training is not provided to the people, they cannot
work properly. Therefore, the education process should be focused on the present industrial
requirement. Diversity needs to be maintained in the workplace for developing the product
quality of the ventures. It is found out that all employees are not expert in the same or every area.
In this context, collaborative nature of employees helps to achieve success for the venture. It also
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helps to develop the economic standard of twenty first century by meting needs of customers. In
addition to this, it is found that many people expire for not receiving proper treatment. In order to
remove this issue, 24*7 hours health services will be introduced within 2030 even in the remote
area (Hák et al., 2016). Renewable energy will be used and it will assist to reduce pollution of
environment. Thus, environmental sustainability can be achieved.
In order to focus on the importance of SDG for twenty first century development, proper
implementation is required. If inequality is reduced among people, they can live in the
harmonious way. As a result, people would be interested in order to help others during
requirement. However, Gupta and Vegelin (2016) stated that legal rules need to be strong in
order to remove crime from the society. It is noticed that organisations take bribe for offering
employment to the people, though they are capable of this designation. This kind of issue
prevents transparent employment. Therefore, following the sixteenth goal, this kind of issue can
be eradicated properly. It will help to build a corruption free society. As per the goal number
fourteenth, marine population will be reduced in order to save water plants. Thus, environmental
sustainability can be achieved, which can provide a healthy life to the people of the world.
Various goals are set for the welfare of society and developing the living style of the people.
These goals are too much important for getting success in the development of twenty first
century.
Sustainable development goals are commitments aiming to end poverty in all fields, dimensions
and forms by 2030. The first goal intends to build resilience of people, who are in vulnerable
situations and facing economic disaster. Some initiatives and policy frameworks have been
developed in international, national and regional level to carry out poverty eradication actions.
SDG funds are supporting initiatives taken to tackle poverty. For example, women are employed
at low-level of productivity scale, and rural women participation is only 36.4%. SDG fund
program is operating in Kurigram district to help people, who are facing extreme poverty and
seasonal hunger (Sachs, 2012). The target under the second goal is to accomplish improved
nutrition and achieve food security by ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. In
London, “Nutrition for Growth” event has been organised to tackle with challenges of Zero
Hunger (Sustainabledevelopment.un.org, 2015). Commitments taken in this event include access
to adequate food, reduction in waste of food, and others.
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The third goal ensures good health and wellbeing for all people. Some initiatives are taken to
prevent usage of drug and alcohol and reduce the number of illness and deaths. For example,
World Health Organisation has developed a framework to Tobacco Control in every nation.
Another important goal is ensuring equitable and quality education all over the world. With the
progression of this goal, sub-Saharan made development by increasing number of enrolment in
primary school. A dramatic change has been seen in literacy rates, and number of enrolment by
girl child has increased. SDG fund is improving educational institutions in rural areas through
workshops and training in Colombia. Similarly, SDG fund joint program is working to improve
youth access to professional and quality training in Mozambique (sdgfund.org, 2015). In
response to goal of gender equality, SDG Fund Program is creating income-generating and
employment opportunities to reduce gender disparities in Bangladesh. The sixth goal is to
improve access to sanitation and water services. In Philippines, SDG joint program is taking
initiatives to work on sanitation, water and climate change.
SDG fund programmes are promoting adaption of sustainable and renewable energy to
accomplish seventh sustainable development goal. For example, Food security and nutrition
programme promotes the adoption of solar energy in Bolivia (sdgfund.org, 2015). It is
encouraging farmers to use solar energy in framing to reduce CO2 emission and produce at a low
cost. In response to economic growth and decent work, SDG-F is supporting income generation
through development of tourism micro business and revitalisation of Lenca culture in Honduras.
The ninth goal is to promote sustainable industrialisation, develop resilient infrastructure and
boost innovation. SDG fund is working for the construction of organic food facilities in Samoa.
Youth are encouraged and trained to get employment opportunities in areas of organic food
production facilities. In order to reduce inequalities, SDG fund programme is collaborating with
the national government to improve livelihood of children, women, elderly and individuals with
disabilities in Tanzania.
In response to sustainable communities and cities, the UN development system is promoting
national and local policies to make cities sustainable and safe. It is providing training on green
construction and adoption of traditional materials and techniques in Mozambique. Responsible
production and consumption is another important goal stated by UN assembly. In response to
this goal, organic culture is being promoted in Fiji for sustainable development of the entire
ecosystem (Assembly, 2015). SDG fund joint programmes are carrying out many projects, plans
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and policies to tackle climate change and its consequences. For example, SDG fund is improving
access to water supply to deal with impacts of droughts in Cuba. Millions of farmers are
benefitted due to such improvements in water supply and related facilities. SDGs aim to reduce
all types of violence in collaboration with national governments. The agenda requires support
from communities, private and public sectors, and governments to get success in all areas and
ensure a sustainable and developed planet. It shall help communities to live a peaceful life
without facing any global challenges.
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Conclusion
From the above essay, it can be concluded that SDGs are vital to deal with all forms of global
issues such as poverty, climate change, inequalities, and others. The agenda 2030 covers a broad
area and it can bring huge success for the planet. UN has started taking initiatives to convert the
agenda in reality through SDG fund programmes in many countries. However, support and
involvement from Government, local communities and organisations are required to accomplish
all goals. UNDP will be able to implement these goals in all regions and countries with adequate
support from all levels. Future generation will enjoy a good life if these goals are achieved by
2030.
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Reference List
Assembly, G., 2015. Sustainable development goals. SDGs), Transforming our world: the, 2030.
Assembly, G., 2015. Sustainable development goals. SDGs), Transforming our world: the, 2030.
Biermann, F., Kanie, N. and Kim, R.E., 2017. Global governance by goal-setting: the novel
approach of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Current Opinion in Environmental
Sustainability, 26, pp.26-31.
Gupta, J. and Vegelin, C., 2016. Sustainable development goals and inclusive
development. International environmental agreements: Politics, law and economics, 16(3),
pp.433-448.
Hák, T., Janoušková, S. and Moldan, B., 2016. Sustainable Development Goals: A need for
relevant indicators. Ecological Indicators, 60, pp.565-573.
Keesstra, S.D., Bouma, J., Wallinga, J., Tittonell, P., Smith, P., Cerdà, A., Montanarella, L.,
Quinton, J.N., Pachepsky, Y., Van Der Putten, W.H. and Bardgett, R.D., 2016. The significance
of soils and soil science towards realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. Soil.
Khalili, N.R., Duecker, S., Ashton, W. and Chavez, F., 2015. From cleaner production to
sustainable development: the role of academia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 96, pp.30-43.
Liu, L., Oza, S., Hogan, D., Chu, Y., Perin, J., Zhu, J., Lawn, J.E., Cousens, S., Mathers, C. and
Black, R.E., 2016. Global, regional, and national causes of under-5 mortality in 2000–15: an
updated systematic analysis with implications for the Sustainable Development Goals. The
Lancet, 388(10063), pp.3027-3035.
Nilsson, M., Griggs, D. and Visbeck, M., 2016. Policy: map the interactions between Sustainable
Development Goals. Nature News, 534(7607), p.320.
Nilsson, M., Griggs, D. and Visbeck, M., 2016. Policy: map the interactions between Sustainable
Development Goals. Nature News, 534(7607), p.320.
Sachs, J.D., 2012. From millennium development goals to sustainable development goals. The
Lancet, 379(9832), pp.2206-2211.
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sdgfund.org. 2015. Goal 4: Quality education. [online] Available at:
http://www.sdgfund.org/goal-4-quality-education [Accessed 23 May 2019].
sdgfund.org. 2015. Goal 5: Gender equality. [online] Available at: http://www.sdgfund.org/goal-
5-gender-equality [Accessed 23 May 2019].
Sustainabledevelopment.un.org. 2019. Zero Hunger Challenge (ZHC) - United Nations
Partnerships for SDGs platform. [online] Available at:
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=7486 [Accessed 23 May 2019].
un.org 2019, Sustainable Development Goals, Available at:
https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/envision2030-goal14.html [Accessed on: 15th
march, 2019]
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