17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of
United Nations
1. Goal 01 No Poverty – “End poverty in all its forms everywhere.”
Sustainable development goals would end extreme poverty globally by 2030. One of its
indicators is the proportion of population living below the poverty line. The goal has seven
targets and 13 indicators to measure progress. The five outcome targets are: eradication of
extreme poverty; reduction of all poverty by half; implementation of social protection
systems; ensuring equal rights to ownership, basic service, technology and economic
resource; and the building of resilience to environment, economic and social disasters. The
two targets related to means of implementation sustainable development goals 1 are
mobilisation of resource to end poverty; and the establishment of poverty eradication policy
frameworks at all levels.
2. Goal 02 Zero hunger (No hunger) – “End hunger, achieve food security and improved
nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.”
Indicators for these goals are for example the prevalence of undernourishment, prevalence
of serve food insecurity and prevalence of stunting among children under five years of age.
The five outcome targets are: ending hunger and improving access to food; ending all forms
of malnutrition; agriculture productivity; sustainable food production systems and resilient
agricultural practices; and genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and
domesticated animals; investments, research and technology.
3. Goal 03 Good health and well-being – “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at
all age.”
Important indicators here are life expectancy as well as child and maternal mortality. Further
indicators are for example deaths from road traffic injuries, prevalence of current tobacco
use, suicide mortality rate. This Sustainable development goal has 13 targets and 28
indicators to measure progress towards targets. The nine targets are outcome targets. Those
are: reduction of maternal mortality, ending all preventable deaths under five years of age,
fight communicable diseases, ensure reduction of mortality from non-communicable
diseases and promote mental health, prevent and treat substance abuse, reduce road
injuries and deaths, grant universal access to sexual and deaths from hazardous chemical and
pollution. The four means of implementation targets are implementing the WHO Framework
Convention on Tobacco Control, support research, development and universal access to
affordable vaccines and medicines, increase health financing and support health workforce
in developing countries and improve early warning systems for global health risks.
4. Goal 04 Quality education – “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
The indicators for this goal are for example attendance rates at primary schools, completion
rates of primary schools’ education, participation in tertiary education and so forth. In each
case, parity indicates are looked at to ensure that disadvantages students do not miss out.
This SDG has ten targets which are measured by 11 indicators. The seven outcome targets
are: free primary and secondary education, equal access to quality pre-primary education,
affordable technical, vocational and higher education, increase number of people with
relevant skills for financial success, elimination of all discrimination in education, universal
literacy and numeracy, education for sustainable development and global citizenship. The
three means of implementation targets are build and upgrade inclusive and safe schools,
expand higher education scholarship for developing countries and increase the supply of
quality teachers in developing countries.
5. Goal 05 Gender equality- “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
It indicates the example having suitable legal frameworks and the representation by women
in national parliament or in local deliberative bodies. Another indicator additionally includes
statistics on forced marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Countries have
committed to accelerating progress for those who are the most behind initially under the
"Leave No One Behind" pledge. SDG 5 aspires to provide women and girls with equal rights,
opportunity to live freely, and freedom from all forms of abuse and discrimination, especially
at the workplace. The goal of this is to empower all women and girls and achieve gender
equality.
6. Goal 06 Clean Water and Sanitation – “Ensure availability and sustainable management of
water and sanitation for all.” The first two aims of this goal are being monitored by the Joint
Monitoring Programme (JMP) of WHO and UNICEF. The percentages of the population who
use safely managed drinking water and have access to securely managed sanitation are
significant indicators for this objective. According to a 2017 JMP report, 4.5 billion people
lack access to properly maintained sanitation. The percentage of home and industrial
wastewater that has undergone safe treatment is another indicator. The six outcome targets
are to provide access to clean, safe drinking water, end open defecation, improve water
quality, wastewater treatment, and safe reuse, increase water-use efficiency and ensure
freshwater supplies, implement IWRM, and protect and restore ecosystems that are related
to water. Extending assistance for water and sanitation to developing nations and
encouraging local participation in water and sanitation management are the two ways to
achieve these goals.
7. Goal 07 Affordable and clean energy – “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and
modern energy for all.” The percentage of people who have access to electricity is one of the
metrics for achieving this objective (success has been made in a number of nations, including
India, Bangladesh, and Kenya), where access to power has been expanded. Other metrics
examine the proportion of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. An excerpt from
Sustainable Development Goal 7 is presented here. By 2030, the goal's five targets must be
met. Six indicators are used to gauge success in achieving the goals. Outcome targets make
up three of the five targets: Universal access to modern energy, an increase in the worldwide
share of renewable energy, and a doubling of energy efficiency advancements. The final two
goals are means-of-implementation goals, and they are to encourage access to clean energy
research, technology, and investments, as well as to broaden and improve energy services.
8. Goal 08 Decent work and economic growth – “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
The rate of real GDP per capita growth and the economic development of the least
developed nations are key metrics for this objective. Additional examples include young
unemployment rates, occupational injury rates, and the proportion of women in the labour
force vs men. By 2030, SDG 8 must complete a total of twelve tasks. A few goals are set for
2030, while others are for 2020. The first ten are goals with outcomes. "Sustainable
economic growth; diversify, innovate, and upgrade for economic productivity," "promote
policies to support job creation and growing businesses," "improve resource efficiency in
consumption and production," "full employment and decent work with equal pay," "promote
youth employment, education and training," "end modern slavery, trafficking, and child
labour," and "protect labour rights and promote safe workplaces" are some of these.
9. Goal 09 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure – “Build resilient infrastructure, promote
inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.”
The percentage of individuals working in manufacturing, residing in mobile network coverage
areas, or having internet access are a few examples of indicators for this purpose.CO2
emissions per unit of value added is a metric related to climate change. SDG 9 includes eight
aims, and twelve indicators track progress. The initial five goals are result goals: Increase
access to financial services and markets; create sustainable, resilient, and inclusive
infrastructures; modernise all sectors of industry and infrastructure; strengthen scientific
research; and advance industrial technology. The final three objectives are targets for means
of implementation: help developing nations build sustainable infrastructure, encourage
indigenous technological advancement and industry diversification, and provide access to all.
10. Goal 10 – Reduced inequality "Reduce income inequality within and among countries."
income inequality, characteristics of gender and disability, as well as laws governing
immigration and human mobility, are key indicators for this SDG.
end targets under the Goal must be completed by 2030. Indicators will track how well we're
doing in relation to our goals. The first seven goals are objectives: Reduce income disparities;
encourage universal social, economic, and political inclusion; guarantee equal opportunities
and end discrimination; adopt fiscal and social policies that promote equality; improve global
financial market and institution regulation; increase representation of developing nations in
financial institutions; and implement responsible and well-managed migration policies. The
following three objectives are means-of-implementation objectives: Reduce transaction costs
for migrant remittances; promote development aid and investment in least developed
countries; and give developing countries special and differential treatment.
11. Goal 11 – Sustainable cities and communities “Make cities and human settlements inclusive,
safe, resilient and sustainable.”
The number of people residing in urban slums, the percentage of urban residents who have
easy access to public transportation, and the amount of built-up space per person are
significant indications for this aim. SDG 11 has 10 targets that must be met, and 15 indicators
are used to track progress. The seven outcome targets include providing access to safe and
inclusive green spaces as well as affordable and sustainable transport systems, inclusive and
sustainable urbanisation, preservation of the world's natural and cultural heritage, and a
reduction in the negative effects of natural disasters. Strong national and regional
development planning, implementing policies for inclusiveness, resource efficiency, and
disaster preparedness are the three implementation priorities.
12. Goal 12 – Responsible consumption and production “Ensure sustainable consumption and
production patterns”
The quantity of national policy tools promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and
production is one of the indicators. Global subsidies for fossil fuels are another. Other
measures that could assist in achieving the objective include increasing domestic recycling
and reducing dependency on the international plastic trash trade. There are 11 targets for
Sustainable Development Goal 12. Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on
Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, achieve sustainable management and
efficient use of natural resources, reduce by half global per capita food waste at the retail
and consumer levels, and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including
post-harvest losses. The first eight are outcome targets.
13. Goal 13 – Climate Action "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by
regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Sixth Assessment Report
in 2021 to early 2023, which evaluates scientific, technical, and socioeconomic data related
to climate change. By 2030, SDG 13's five objectives must be met. They cover a wide range of
climate change-related topics. The first three goals are outcomes goals. Building knowledge
and capacity to deal with climate change will strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to
climate-related disasters. Climate change mitigation measures will also be incorporated into
policies and planning. The latter two goals are means-of-implementation goals: the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) must be implemented, and measures
to improve planning and management capacity must be promoted. There are indicators that
go along with each goal and offer a way to assess the overall
14. Goal 14 – Life below water "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine
resources for sustainable development."
The requirement to conserve the resources is not being met by the present efforts to protect
oceans, marine habitats, and small-scale fishers. The lethal trinity of climate change stresses
on the marine environment consists of elevated ocean temperatures, oxygen depletion, and
acidity. An excerpt from Sustainable Development Goal 14 is below.
The first seven goals are objectives: Increase the economic benefits from the sustainable use
of marine resources while reducing marine pollution, protecting and restoring ecosystems,
reducing ocean acidification, practising sustainable fishing, conserving coastal and marine
areas, and eliminating subsidies that encourage overfishing. The final three goals are targets
for means of implementation: increasing scientific understanding, research, and technology
for the health of the oceans; assisting small-scale fishermen; and implementing and
upholding international maritime law.
15. Goal 15 – Life on Land “Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial
ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”
The nine outcome targets are as follows: Protect access to genetic resources and equitable
distribution of benefits; Eliminate poaching and trafficking of protected species; Prevent
invasive alien species on land and in water ecosystems; End deforestation and restore
degraded forests; Ensure conservation of mountain ecosystems; Protect biodiversity and
natural habitats; and Protect access to genetic resources. The three implementation goals
are to increase financial resources for ecosystem and biodiversity conservation and
sustainably using them, fund sustainable forest management, and combat international
poaching and trafficking.
16. Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable
and inclusive institutions at all levels."
Two examples of indicators used to measure this objective are the rates of birth registration
and the prevalence of bribery. An excerpt from Sustainable Development Goal 16 appears
below. Ten outcome targets make up SDG 16: Promote the rule of law and equal access to
justice; combat organised crime and illicit financial and arms flows; significantly reduce
corruption and bribery; develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions; ensure
responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making; strengthen participation in global
governance; provide universal legal identity; ensure public safety; reduce violence; protect
children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence; There are additionally two
methods of implementation[86]: Promote and uphold non-discriminatory laws and
regulations. Strengthen national institutions to deter violence, fight crime, and confront
terrorism.
17. Goal 17: Partnership for the goals "Strengthen the means of implementation and
revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Each of the 16 earlier goals is thought to require greater international collaboration.
The achievement of the SDGs as a whole is thought to depend on the creation of
multi-stakeholder partnerships to share knowledge, skills, technology, and financial
support. Enhancing North-South and South-South collaboration is one of the
objectives, and public-private partnerships with civil societies are especially
addressed. SDG 17 aims to promote sustainable development globally through
enhanced and more equal trade as well as coordinated investment activities. It aims to
improve and streamline international relations between developed and developing
countries by utilising the SDGs as a framework and a shared goal to chart a course for
cooperation. It aims to advance both global trade and a fair-trading system.
As management professional I will focus on certain factors to achieve 17 sustainable
development goals given by United Nation: -
1. Continuous improvement – As a management professional I will encourage a culture
of innovation where new ideas are welcomed and tested.
2. Sustainability and Social Responsibility – Integrate sustainability and social
responsibility into management decision-making processes, demonstrating the
organization's commitment to making a positive impact on society and the
environment.
3. Team Building and Leadership – Build and lead high-performing teams, ensuring that
each member's skills and strengths are leveraged effectively. Provide clear direction,
motivation, and guidance to inspire your team to excel.
4. Resource Management – Optimize the allocation of resources such as budget,
personnel, and technology to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in reaching goals.
5. Performance Measurement and Analysis – Establish key performance indicators
(KPIs) to track progress towards goals. Regularly analyse data and performance
metrics to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
6. Collaboration and Communication – Foster open communication and collaboration
across departments and levels of the organization. Ensure that everyone is aligned and
working towards the same objectives.
7. Employee Development – Invest in the professional growth of your team members
through training, mentoring, and opportunities for skill enhancement. A well-
developed team is more likely to contribute effectively to achieving future goals.
8. Ethical Leadership – Demonstrate ethical behaviour and integrity in all your actions.
Uphold a strong ethical standard that guides the organization towards responsible and
sustainable practices.
9. Market Analysis and Expansion – Stay attuned to market trends and identify new
opportunities for expansion or diversification. Lead initiatives to enter new markets or
develop new business lines.
10. Stakeholder Management – Build and maintain positive relationships with
stakeholders, including investors, customers, suppliers, and community partners.
Effective stakeholder engagement can contribute to achieving long-term goals.
