Natural disasters caused by climate change, conflict, and the COVID-19 pandemic showed us that strong partnerships are crucial to international development. Cooperation is needed to build back global societies and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Now is the time to come together to help protect our planet and its people!

Our new reading list for Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals has plenty of stories to inspire solidarity and action.

Take a look through the list to help children understand the importance of working together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, including these highlights:

  • 恼人的兔子(“Those Pesky Rabbits”). This is a story about a group of rabbits who, through kindness, assist the lonely Mr. Bear in becoming more willing to make new friends.

  • من يساعد الدجاجة؟ (“Who Helped the Chicken?”). As a chicken prepares a loaf of bread, her friends slowly start to help her, learning that cooperation is essential to achieving a goal.

  • What Do You Do with a Problem? This is the story of a persistent problem. The longer the child avoids it, the bigger the problem seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different indeed.

  • Pequeña Historia de un Desacuerdo (“A Little Story of a Disagreement”). Children at a school disagree over a controversy, with both sides believing that they are right. How do you resolve a conflict? This book teaches us the foundations of society: democracy, participation, and citizenship.

We hope you enjoy the reading list for Goal 17!

Don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas using #SDGBookClub and tag us @UNPublications.

Here are some examples of taking action as a family:

  • Participate in group projects at school and try to listen to different members’ ideas.

  • Join a local sports team, music group, or creative club to get to know your neighbours.

  • Donate some of your pocket money to a cause that you believe in.

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, parents, or classmates if you need it.