The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are the 17 goals that the world should achieve by 2030. They are a compass for the society of the future.
Basic Knowledge
The SDGs were unanimously adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015 as “Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
17 Goals: ①No Poverty ②Zero Hunger ③Good Health and Well-Being ④Quality Education ⑤Gender Equality ⑥Clean Water and Sanitation ⑦Affordable and Clean Energy ⑧Decent Work and Economic Growth ⑨Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure ⑩Reduced Inequalities ⑪Sustainable Cities and Communities ⑫Responsible Consumption and Production ⑬Climate Action ⑭Life Below Water ⑮Life on Land ⑯Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions ⑰Partnerships for the Goals.
The guiding principle is “Leave No One Behind.” All countries, including developed countries, are included.
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
2030 Agenda (the United Nations action plan that includes the SDGs)
MDGs (Millennium Development Goals. 2000-2015, predecessors of the SDGs)
ESD (Education for Sustainable Development)
Sustainable development (development that meets present needs without compromising the needs of future generations)
Stakeholders (parties with interests, including governments, companies, NGOs, and citizens)
Further Study (Background and Significance)
The concept of sustainable development was defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report, “Our Common Future.” It became widely recognized at the 1992 Earth Summit and developed into the SDGs in 2015 after the MDGs in 2000.
Compared with the MDGs (8 goals, centered on developing countries), the SDGs consist of 17 goals and 169 targets and are more comprehensive and universal, including developed countries. They aim to integrate solutions in the three areas of the economy, society, and the environment.
In Japan, an SDGs Promotion Headquarters was established, and corporate ESG investment (investment emphasizing environmental, social, and governance factors) has expanded. In schools, opportunities to learn about sustainability through ESD are increasing.
- SDGs = adopted in 2015, goals to be achieved by 2030
- 17 goals and 169 targets
- Principle = Leave No One Behind
- Successor and development of the MDGs (2000-2015)
- Integration of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions
- Universal goals including developed countries
- ESG investment = emphasis on the environment, society, and governance
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① Distinguish the MDGs (2000-2015, 8 goals, centered on developing countries) from the SDGs (2015-2030, 17 goals, worldwide). ② Be sure to remember the SDGs principle, “Leave No One Behind.” ③ Sustainable development began with the Brundtland Report (1987). ④ ESG investment and the SDGs are connected but are different concepts.
Practice
- In what year were the SDGs adopted, and by what year are they to be achieved?
- How many goals make up the SDGs?
- Complete the central principle of the SDGs: “Leave No ______.”