All member states of the United Nations met in 2015 and agreed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda set out how they would seek peace and prosperity for our planet both now and in the future. The agreement was that this must be done sustainably so that the balance can be maintained long term.
As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations detailed 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These set out the blueprint for each and every member state to ensure future decisions are made with sustainable development at the forefront. There was a recognition across the world that solving problems such as poverty must be achieved. However, this must be using strategies that align with other goals, for example climate change.
Each of the 17 goals have a number of targets set by the member nations. These are measurable objectives that can be reviewed in 2030 to assess progress made. By setting these targets, member states can ensure there is direction to their policy making. Realistically, not all of the targets will be met. But, holding nations to account by comparing their country to others will ensure that no focus is lost in the ultimate aim for a sustainable world.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are:
- No Poverty – end poverty in all its forms everywhere
- Zero Hunger – end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
- Good Health and Well-being – ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- Quality Education – ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- Gender Equality – achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
- Clean Water and Sanitation – ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- Affordable and Clean Energy – ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
- Decent Work and Economic Growth – promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
- Reduced Inequalities – reduce inequalities within and among countries
- Sustainable Cities and Communities – make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
- Responsible Consumption and Production – ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Climate Action – take urgent action to combat climate change and it’s impacts
- Life Below Water – conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
- 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
- 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
- Partnerships for the Goals – strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XTBYMfZyrM&t=76s
How can Socially Responsible Investing assist UN in meeting their Sustainable Development Goals?
People often say that money talks. This is more true in the business world than anywhere else. By taking investment away from companies that go against the Sustainable Development Goals, and giving additional funds to those companies looking to make positive change, the speed of adaptation will be shocking. A company with no investors cannot function and will be forced to ensure they are doing good for the world and acting responsibly.
The scrutiny surrounding climate change is intensifying. As a result, politicians and executives will be held to account for their actions. Greenwashing will no longer be an option. Politicians not making decisions with sustainability at the heart will lose power, whilst companies not contributing positively will struggle to function. Investors have the ability to force change by putting their money in projects that do seek to make a difference to the world.
Consilium Asset Management will have an honest and open discussion with you surrounding your views on Socially Responsible Investing (also called ESG investing). We partner with investment companies that offer sustainability focused investments to suit all preferences. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can assist you in driving positive change in the world.
