In 2015, the United Nations (UN) member states adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, or Global Goals as they are sometimes called). The 17 goals provide a shared plan for peace and prosperity for all people and the planet. The 17 goals are interconnected; making progress with one goal could lead to progress with other goals too when the co-benefits are understood and supported. The SDGs are being used by businesses, third-sector organisations, schools, regions, countries, and cities in a shared global language of sustainability.
UN video - Do you know all 17 SDGs?
The Global Goals website provides some ideas about how to play a part in delivering the SDGs.
How the Sustainable Development Goals are being delivered locally
In Aberdeen, both the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) and the Aberdeen Local Development Plan have been mapped against the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for embedding sustainable actions and improvements into plans, policies and strategies.
Aberdeen City Council is increasingly aligning its strategic documents to the SDGs. They are explored by young people in city schools to engage them on issues of global citizenship and as a shared language in our citywide Responsible Business Network initiative. The SDGs play an important role in how we're shaping our future plans. They also form part of our education programme, with young people invited to engage on global citizenship issues and city businesses can get involved too through the Responsible Business initiative.
| SDG | Summary |
|---|---|
| 1. No poverty | End poverty in all its forms everywhere |
| 2. Zero hunger |
End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. |
| 3. Good health and wellbeing |
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. |
| 4. Quality education |
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education. and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. |
| 5. Gender equality |
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. |
| 6. Clean water and sanitation |
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. |
| 7. Affordable and clean energy |
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. |
| 8. Decent work and economic growth |
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. |
| 9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure |
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and encourage innovation. |
| 10. Reduce inequalities | Reduce inequality both within and between countries |
| 11. Sustainable cities and communities |
Make cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. |
| 12. Responsible consumption and production |
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. |
| 13. Climate action |
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. |
| 14. Life below water |
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. |
| 15. Life on land |
Protect and restore biodiversity and natural habitats |
| 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. |
| 17. Partnerships for the goals |
strengthen global partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals |
If you have any questions about SDGs, contact ecocity@aberdeencity.gov.uk