The 17 Sustainable Development Goals have been adopted by all UN Member States. That’s great, but now what?
Governments will be busy for the next 15 years working to achieve the goals, but that doesn’t mean all the work falls on them. The private sector, civil society organization and regular people can all help accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. But sometimes it’s not that easy to know where to start. There are 17 goals after all, each one with different targets and indicators.
In fact, the question we get asked most frequently is: how can I help?
We want to make it easier for you to do your part. We don’t want you to feel like ending poverty, tackling climate change and reducing inequality is something only policymakers can do. We don’t want you to think it’s difficult to achieve – it is all doable.
This is why we have started the Year of Living Sustainably, a space where we will share tips on how to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Many of our tips are simple and you may already be doing them. Others will require you to change or adopt new habits. But you don’t have to turn your life upside-down to be sustainable. You don’t have to do everything at once, but also know that change starts with you and your involvement matters. Your small actions can have a big impact!
We also want to hear from you. We want to know how you’re helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Do you have an idea or initiative already running that is helping to improve people’s lives and protecting the planet? Tell us about it. We’d like to share with others.
So here’s how you can follow the Year of Living Sustainably:
We will be sharing regular blog posts on this website and also through the @GlobalGoalsUN twitter and facebook pages. The UN instagram page will also be doing a #SustainableSunday activity every week.
First Person: Felipe Paullier, the youngest ever senior UN official, charged with giving a voice to young people around the world
A paediatrician by training, Felipe Paullier has long been an advocate for youth. Formerly Director of the Uruguayan Government's Youth Institute, a role which involved several joint actions with various UN agencies, he was appointed to run the UN Youth Office in 2023, the youngest senior appointment in United Nations history.
Development cooperation agreement marks new phase in UN-Iraq partnership
Better access to education, the protection of the environment and good governance are some of the areas in which the United Nations helps countries improve.
How climate change is threatening human rights
With rising effects of climate change across the globe, the world has started recognising that climate change is not just an ecological collapse, but also a human rights crisis. Read Full Story on UN News
Paper and wood: Forest products show signs of recovery, UN agency says
From wood-based panels used in construction, to charcoal for cooking food, forest products are valued and traded all around the world. Read Full Story on UN News
Calming the mind and promoting global peace on World Meditation Day
Meditation, which has its roots in religious, yogic and secular traditions from various civilisations, calls for living in the present moment. Read Full Story on UN News
Can traditional medicine strengthen modern healthcare? An expert weighs in
Ginger and cinnamon are more than just ingredients. Along with other spices, their medicinal value is gaining both attention and legitimacy. Read Full Story on UN News





