What are SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) ?

SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals adopted by United Nations member states in 2015. They are a call to action for developed and developing countries to take actions to reduce poverty, hunger and improve education and provide justice to humans as well as the planet and all living beings. SDGs are also the successors of the Millennium Development Goals adopted in 2000. The new SDG goals were based on all the shortcomings of the MDGs and also the needs of the future.

The comparison between SDG and MDG

SDG goals	MDG goals
There are 17 SDG goals	There are 8 MDG goals
To reach the goal of zero hunger, poverty, child death etc.	Halfway point in reducing poverty and hunger
It is considered the responsibility of every country to reach its goals, with help from developed countries.	It was based on the rich aiding the poor
The SDG goals are set on three pillars empowering women, mobilizing people and partnering with local governments	The MDG did not consider these pillars

The 17 SDGs are shown in the picture below

With the 17 SDGs, there are targets to reach and for each target, there are indicators to measure the progress of the targets. There are a total of 169 targets and 230 indicators.

All of the SDGs are connected. The success of each of the SDGs is dependent on the success of the other ones.

A few examples of interconnection in SDGs

1. Transitioning towards sustainable and resilient societies hinges on responsible management of finite natural resources - Having a better life on land and life below water is directly related to clean water and sanitation, and also affordable and clean energy.

2. Access to basic services is not only a fundamental human right, but also a stepping stone to sustainable development - Access to clean water, sanitation, and food is a basic human right and is directly relayed to economic growth, reduction in poverty and quality education.

And many more.

In the next few blogs, We will learn more about each of the SDGs and discuss in detail the targets and where we are with those.