THE GOALS NEED PRACTICAL ACTION THAT YOU MIGHT HELP ACHIEVE
not least, by being aware of and appreciating the millions of people
working for a better world

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.  The coloured wheel on the right is a symbol often used in displays. 

The UN SDG Action Campaign was established by the Secretary-General bring people together from every part of the world to act on the SDGs and to hold decision-makers to account for progress.  You can see get more information at www.sdgactioncampaign.org, and there's a bigger version of the chart on the left at the bottom of this page here.

What is its purpose?  They say " Through compelling and creative SDG outreach and communications, we serve UN Member States and the United Nations whilst bridging thinkers and doers from civil society, local governments, think tanks, the arts and culture, the media and the business world. It mobilizes individuals to champion the SDGs in homes, communities and beyond.  At a moment of acute crisis in our world, the UN SDG Action Campaign seizes opportunities to rethink messaging, call to action and reorient policymaking towards the Goals.

"To achieve our common Goals by 2030, the UN SDG Action Campaign engages with all those committed to sustainable development: United Nations agencies, businesses, local and national governments, creatives, SDG activists working relentlessly to surmount global challenges, and more. Through tailored advocacy and communications, we build powerful networks that reach millions worldwide, urge decision-makers to act and impel momentum."

In September 2021, along with key partners such as GCAP, the UN SDG Campaign held their Global Week to #Act4SDGs. This  achieved its goal of collecting 100 million actions from all over the world , with a positive impact on efforts to accelerate the SDGs and make a difference for both  people and planet. Over 1,280 organizations and millions of activists across 191 countries took part in the Week - to work together towards a healthy, just and green recovery which leaves no one behind. The Acts included igniting creativity, driving climate action, strengthening sustainable food systems, mobilizing local governments, bringing together youth movements, and much more – showing  great collective commitment.

 For a wealth of information on the actions, visit www.act4sdgs.org

are also well worth a browse at https://sdgactionawards.org

These awards are about practical examples of people rethinking how we live and what progress and development can look like, and "designed to celebrate transformative approaches and innovative solutions that drive SDG actions from across the world."  Winners are supported  by a program of activities to help increase their impact and generate positive change.

If you'd like to be and keep up to date with SDG happenings, click on the picture above.



For example, with Goal 1 No Poverty, you might find a charity with No Poverty at its core. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference!

Donate what you don’t use. Local charities will give your gently used clothes, books and furniture a new life. Support campaigns collecting items for victims of emergencies. Donate your clothes, food supplies etc. to support those in need. 

Poverty still persists in every country. Over 8% of the world population lives in extreme poverty. Lend your voice to the fight against extreme poverty. 

Stay informed. Follow your local news and stay in touch with the Global Goals online or on social media at @TheGlobalGoals

In the UK, the development network is BOND.  Uniting to drive global change, "Bond connects, strengthens and champions a dynamic network of civil society organisations to eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice." With a big membership diversity of over 430 CSOs, they have groups to maximise actions and campaiging, conferences, and training (as here).

You can get full information - including brief details of members - at https://www.bond.org.uk

Set in time for the United Nations International Day for Poverty Eradication on 17 October 2006, on 15/16 October over 23 million people in over 80 countries led the way. In 2007, more than 43 million people in 127 countries participated in the second Stand Up. In 2008, October 17–19 saw more than 116 million people take part – with huge concerts in Lagos, Singapore, Togo, Manila and Nairobi. In Pretoria, Harare and Delhi, there were vast campaign marches and mass mobilizations. A countrywide caravan rally in Togo focusing on specific MDG goal had  hundreds of mosques "standing up" in a statement of solidarity. Schools across the world also took part from Malta to Palestinian Authority, where 500,000 pupils organized debates. And UK schools joined in for the first time.

The 2009 "Stand Up and Take Action against Poverty" campaign attracted 173 million people, 2.5% of the world population. This set a new Guinness World Record. Over 3,000 events were held in more than 120 countries. At least 100 million people in Asia took part in the campaign, while Africa saw the participation of almost 40 million, the Arab region over 30 million, Europe more than 2 million, Latin America and North America some 200,000 each, and Oceania more than 170,000. The Stand Up 2010 took place on September 17 to 19. The theme was “Make a Noise for the MDGs”. In the UK, schools and others added a lively voice with The Count On Us Song - though in mid-October, as this was a more convenient time some way into the new term.