What Are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Background

At the Rio+20 conference in 2012, UN member states decided to develop goals for sustainable development, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike the Millennium Development Goals, which mainly emphasised the social dimension of development, the SDGs were to put sustainability at the forefront. In addition to social aspects, this included economic and environmental aspects.

In September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all UN member states. This agenda serves as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.

The 17 SDGs are at the heart of this agenda and aim to enable a decent life worldwide while preserving the natural foundations of life.

17 goals for a decent life

The 17 SDGs cover all three dimensions of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. Central aspects of the goals include economic growth, reducing disparities in living standards, creating equal opportunities and the sustainable use of natural resources. These goals are indivisible and interdependent, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and discriminated population groups.

The 17 goals are:

End poverty in all its forms everywhere

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

Measuring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

To measure progress towards the SDGs, metrics and indicators have been developed that allow findings from climate science to be translated into the implementation of policy measures.

With the participation of the German Federal Statistical Office, a catalogue of indicators was drawn up and adopted by the UN Statistical Commission in March 2016. This measurement approach only takes into account data already available from national statistical offices. The UN Secretary-General’s annual SDG progress report is based on this global indicator framework and on data produced by national statistical systems. The annual progress reports can be accessed directly on the SDGs website.

Industrialised countries play a pioneering role

The German Federal Government emphasises that the leading industrialised and emerging countries in particular bear significant responsibility for achieving the sustainability goals. The G20 countries should take on a pioneering role in actively implementing the 2030 Agenda.

As one of the leading industrial nations, Germany bears a special responsibility, not only through national measures but also through international cooperation and support for developing countries. This pioneering role includes promoting sustainable technologies, developing and implementing policies to reduce emissions and supporting global partnerships for sustainable development.

Impact on German SMEs

The German Mittelstand comprises a wide range of companies, from traditional craft businesses to highly specialised technology firms. Regardless of their size or industry, all SMEs can benefit from integrating the SDGs into their business strategies.
Working with the SDGs has the advantage that SMEs can link their local sustainability efforts with a globally recognised framework.
The SDGs also provide a clear framework for sustainable business and help companies remain competitive in the long term, minimise risks and open up new business opportunities.

Telusio’s view

The SDGs offer German SMEs a unique opportunity to position themselves sustainably while securing economic success.

By integrating the SDGs into their business strategies, SMEs can not only contribute to solving global challenges but also strengthen their own future viability. In a world that increasingly values sustainability, SMEs that integrate these values into their actions will emerge as pioneers and winners.