Sustainable Development Goals
What are the Sustainable Development Goals? The SDGs are a plan for a better world.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 objectives - negotiated and agreed to by all 193 world governments in 2015 - to end extreme poverty, achieve decent work for all, promote justice, peace and prosperity, and protect the natural environment from human-caused harms.
Highlighting both challenges and opportunities for the next 15 years, they are a practical tool for governments, institutions, local communities, civil society organisations and businesses to work together towards a common and clear set of targets.
Why are they important?
The SDGs are a historic agreement that outline priorities for a more prosperous, fair, and sustainable world.
The SDGs are a unified and unifying plan of action for communities and people everywhere.
The SDGs are a common framework which is easy-to-understand, measurable and time-bound.
Why do the SDGs matter to schools and teachers?
Schools and teachers are in a unique position to educate the future generation of community leaders, consumers, voters and citizens on the world’s biggest challenges and to inspire them to take action today. More than half of the population of our planet is currently under the age of 30 - the biggest generation of young people the world has ever seen. This puts educators in a truly unique position of influence and impact for the future of the planet.
Schools and teachers have a tremendous opportunity to empower billions of young people to become leaders and pioneer a movement for a better and more sustainable future.